European Union Voting and Withdrawal Procedures

A process where the European Council, acting by unanimity, can determine if a member state is persistently violating EU values, like democracy or the rule of law.

A procedure where the European Council can, if a serious breach of EU values is found, suspend certain rights of a member state, including voting rights in the Council.

The process by which a member state can withdraw from the European Union.

The notification a member state must send to the European Council when it intends to withdraw from the EU.

Guidelines provided by the European Council to help guide the negotiations between a withdrawing member state and the remaining EU.

An agreement negotiated between a withdrawing member state and the EU that outlines the terms and conditions of the withdrawal, and potentially describes the future relationship between the two.

The process by which the EU negotiates and finalizes the withdrawal agreement, involving the European Council, the European Parliament, and the withdrawing member state.

The EU aims to promote peace, security, sustainable development, solidarity, respect for human rights, free and fair trade, poverty eradication, and international law.

The EU will use appropriate means based on its powers as defined in the Treaties.

The EU functions through a set of institutions, each with specific roles, working together to promote its values, objectives, and interests.

The European Parliament is an institution of the European Union.

The European Council is an institution of the European Union.

The Council is an institution of the European Union.

The European Commission is an institution of the European Union.

The Court of Justice of the European Union is an institution of the European Union.

The European Central Bank is an institution of the European Union.

The EU is built upon core values like human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. These values are shared by all member states and guide the Union's actions.

The EU supports the idea of equal rights for all citizens, regardless of their background, ensuring everyone gets fair treatment from EU institutions.

Citizens have the right to participate in the EU political process through the European Parliament, while member states send representatives to the Council and European Council.

The EU provides opportunities for citizens and organizations to express their views through participatory mechanisms. This ensures active involvement in shaping the EU's direction.

National Parliaments play a vital role in the EU's functioning, especially in relation to the principle of subsidiarity, accession, and other EU processes.

The EU is a legal entity with its own rights and responsibilities, like the ability to make international treaties.

EU has the right to make agreements with other countries, like trade deals or collaboration on environmental issues.

The EU can establish diplomatic relationships with other countries, sending ambassadors and receiving foreign diplomats.

The EU enjoys special protections within its own borders, like immunity from certain legal processes, for its officials and institutions.

The EU's actions are based on specific areas where member states have agreed to share power with the EU.

EU decision-making involves different methods, depending on the topic at hand. Some require unanimous agreement, while others need a majority vote.

The EU's core values are enshrined in the Treaties, guiding its actions and setting standards for member states.

The EU aims to achieve specific goals, like promoting economic and social progress within its member states.

The EU is based on a set of principles that underpin its actions, ensuring fairness and respect for its members.

The EU's legal framework, including Treaties and regulations, establishes its legal basis and governs its operation.

The European Court of Auditors (ECA) is responsible for checking how the EU spends its money. It's the 'financial conscience' of the EU, making sure that funds are used appropriately and efficiently.

The ECA has members from each EU country, appointed by the Council. They must have relevant experience and are independent of the EU institutions they audit.

The ECA's main job is to audit the EU's budget, examining if revenue and expenditure are properly managed. They publish an annual report outlining their findings.

The ECA can provide opinions on how the EU manages its finances. These are not legally binding, but they can offer valuable insights to the institutions.

The European System of Central Banks (ESCB) is responsible for making monetary policy for the EU. This means managing interest rates and ensuring the stability of the euro.

The Governing Council is the top decision-making body of the ESCB. It includes representatives from the European Central Bank (ECB) and national central banks of the eurozone countries.

The Executive Board of the ECB manages the day-to-day operations of the ESCB. The President and Vice-President lead the board, ensuring smooth implementation of decisions.

The ESCB includes central banks from all EU countries, regardless of whether they use the euro or not. This helps ensure coordination and cooperation on monetary policy.

The ECB and the NCBs of the eurozone countries work together through the Governing Council to ensure that the euro remains a strong and stable currency. This supports the EU economy and growth.

The ESCB sets interest rates for the eurozone to influence borrowing and lending across the EU. This helps to control inflation and support economic growth.