PART3 chap1 :EU Government Institutions
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Questions and Answers

What is the main responsibility of the European Council?

  • Representing the EU to the outside world
  • Coordinating policies and amending laws
  • Passing laws and regulations
  • Deciding on the EU's overall direction and political priorities (correct)
  • Who appoints the President of the European Council?

  • The European Commission
  • The Council of the European Union
  • National leaders (heads of state or government of EU countries) (correct)
  • The European Parliament
  • What is the role of the European Council in the EU's law-making process?

  • It coordinates policies and amends laws
  • It asks the European Commission to make a proposal for legislation (correct)
  • It nominates and appoints candidates to certain high-profile EU level roles
  • It passes laws and regulations
  • How often does the European Council typically meet?

    <p>Four times a year</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the composition of the European Council?

    <p>The Heads of State, or of Government, of each Member State and the President of the EU Commission</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the Council of the European Union also known as?

    <p>The Council of Ministers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main responsibility of the Council of the European Union?

    <p>Passing laws and regulations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the European Council typically make decisions?

    <p>By consensus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main decision-making body of the EU?

    <p>The Council</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the Council of Europe?

    <p>An international organisation that upholds human rights, democracy, and the rule of law</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy?

    <p>To chair the Foreign Affairs Council</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How often are the members of the European Commission chosen?

    <p>Every 5 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the Council of Europe's flag?

    <p>To represent the Council of Europe</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who chairs the Council meetings, except for the Foreign Affairs Council?

    <p>The relevant minister of the country holding the rotating EU presidency</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the required percentage of countries needed to pass a decision in the Council?

    <p>55% of countries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many countries are needed to block a decision in the Council?

    <p>4 countries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the European Commission?

    <p>To exercise executive power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term of the European Commission president?

    <p>December 2019 - October 2024</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary responsibility of the European Commission?

    <p>Proposing new laws for adoption by the Parliament and the Council</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the European Commission work?

    <p>Through collective decision-making by all Commissioners</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the European Parliament?

    <p>Representing the citizens of the EU</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term of the European Parliament?

    <p>Every 5 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the European Parliament President?

    <p>Giving the final go-ahead to the EU budget</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many MEPs are there in the European Parliament?

    <p>705</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of European Parliament committees?

    <p>To examine proposals for legislation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the European Commission in international agreements?

    <p>Negotiating international agreements for the EU</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the College of Commissioners?

    <p>The European Commission's political leadership</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can the European Parliament do to the European Commission?

    <p>Vote a motion of censure, obliging the Commission to resign</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where are plenary sessions usually held?

    <p>In Strasbourg for four days a month, but sometimes in Brussels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main functions of the Court of Justice of the European Union?

    <p>To interpret EU law and settle legal disputes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of case is brought before the CJEU when a national court is unsure about the interpretation of EU law?

    <p>Preliminary ruling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who can bring an action for annulment before the CJEU?

    <p>EU governments, the Council of the EU, the European Commission, and in some cases, the European Parliament</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many judges are typically assigned to a case in the Court of Justice?

    <p>5</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of an advocate general in the CJEU?

    <p>To summarize the case and discuss it at the Court's general meeting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term of office for a CJEU judge?

    <p>6 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the General Court in the CJEU?

    <p>To rule on actions for annulment brought by individuals, companies, and EU governments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who can bring an action for failure to act before the CJEU?

    <p>EU governments, other EU institutions, and in some cases, individuals or companies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the written stage in the CJEU process?

    <p>To allow parties to submit written statements and observations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the European Court of Auditors?

    <p>To look after the interests of EU taxpayers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main focus of the European Court of Auditors' audit work?

    <p>The European Commission</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of audit checks that financial transactions follow the rules?

    <p>Compliance audits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the European Court of Auditors' annual report?

    <p>To evaluate the EU's financial management</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the European Court of Auditors' approach to improving the European Commission's management of the EU budget?

    <p>Auditing and reporting on EU finances</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the European Court of Auditors ensure its independence?

    <p>By being free to decide on its audit activities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the European Court of Auditors' chambers?

    <p>To prepare reports and opinions for the Court members</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to suspected fraud, corruption, or other illegal activity uncovered by the European Court of Auditors?

    <p>It is reported to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main aim of the European Central Bank?

    <p>To keep prices stable, thereby supporting economic growth and job creation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the advocate general in the European Court of Justice?

    <p>To provide an official opinion to the judges</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the European Court of Auditor?

    <p>To improve the financial management of the EU and inform on the use of its public funds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the Eurosystem?

    <p>The European Central Bank and national central banks of EU countries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main decision-making body of the European Central Bank?

    <p>Governing Council</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a hearing in the European Court of Justice?

    <p>To allow lawyers from both sides to put their case to the judges and advocate general</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can you find the judgement of a case in the European Court of Justice?

    <p>Search for a case on the European Court of Justice's website</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the President of the European Central Bank?

    <p>To represent the European Central Bank at high-level EU and international meetings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the European Central Bank's management of foreign currency reserves?

    <p>To buy or sell currencies to balance exchange rates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the composition of the Governing Council of the European Central Bank?

    <p>The ECB President, Vice-President, and governors of national central banks from eurozone countries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The European Court of Auditors has legal powers to enforce its decisions.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The European Court of Auditors audits EU revenue and expenditure to ensure value for money.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The European Court of Auditors reports directly to the European Parliament.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The European Court of Auditors has the power to decide who to audit and how to do it.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The European Court of Auditors focuses primarily on auditing the European Parliament.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The European Court of Auditors divides its work into financial, compliance, and performance audits.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The European Court of Auditors is composed of members appointed by the European Parliament.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The European Court of Auditors gives its expert opinion on how EU finances could be better managed and made more accountable to citizens.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The European Court of Auditors reports suspected fraud, corruption, or other illegal activity to the European Commission.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The European Court of Auditors' annual report is presented to the European Council.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary objective of the European Court of Auditors?

    <p>to improve the European Commission's management of the EU budget</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main focus of the European Court of Auditors' audit work?

    <p>the European Commission</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of audit checks that financial transactions follow the rules?

    <p>compliance audit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the European Court of Auditors' annual report?

    <p>to report on EU finances to the European Parliament and Council of the EU</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the European Court of Auditors ensure its independence?

    <p>by being free to decide on what it will audit, how to do it, and how and when to present its findings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to suspected fraud, corruption, or other illegal activity uncovered by the European Court of Auditors?

    <p>it is reported to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the European Court of Auditors' chambers?

    <p>to prepare reports and opinions for the Court members to adopt</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of audit checks that EU funds achieve their goals with the fewest possible resources and in the most economical manner?

    <p>performance audit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the European Court of Auditors' approach to improving the European Commission's management of the EU budget?

    <p>giving its expert opinion on how EU finances could be better managed and made more accountable to citizens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the European Court of Auditors do to check that EU funds are correctly raised, spent, and accounted for?

    <p>audits EU revenue and expenditure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    The EU Institutional Environment

    1. The European Council

    • Composed of Heads of State or Government of each EU country and the President of the European Commission
    • The European Council sets the EU's overall direction and political priorities, but does not pass laws
    • Decides on the EU's common foreign and security policy
    • Nominates and appoints candidates to high-profile EU roles, such as the European Central Bank and the Commission
    • Can ask the European Commission to propose legislation or pass issues to the Council of the EU

    2. The Council of the European Union (Council of Ministers)

    • Represents the governments of EU countries and forms part of the legislative power
    • Composed of government ministers from each EU country, meeting in different configurations depending on the policy area
    • Negotiates and adopts EU laws with the European Parliament, based on proposals from the European Commission
    • Coordinates EU countries' policies and develops the EU's foreign and security policy
    • Concludes agreements between the EU and other countries or international organizations
    • Adopts the annual EU budget with the European Parliament

    3. The European Commission

    • Exercises executive power and proposes new laws
    • Composed of 27 Commissioners, one from each EU country, led by the Commission President
    • Manages EU policies and allocates EU funding
    • Enforces EU law, together with the Court of Justice
    • Represents the EU internationally

    4. The European Parliament

    • Represents EU citizens and is elected every 5 years
    • Has three main roles: legislative, supervisory, and budgetary
    • Passes EU laws with the Council of the EU, based on European Commission proposals
    • Exercises democratic scrutiny over all EU institutions
    • Approves the Commission's work program and asks it to propose legislation
    • Examines the European Commission's management of the EU budget

    5. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)

    • Interprets EU law to ensure its uniform application in all EU countries
    • Settles legal disputes between national governments and EU institutions
    • Gives rulings on cases brought before it, including interpreting EU law, enforcing EU law, and annulling EU legal acts
    • Composed of two courts: the Court of Justice and the General Court

    6. The European Central Bank (ECB)

    • Manages the euro and aims to keep prices stable, supporting economic growth and job creation
    • Sets interest rates and manages the foreign currency reserves of the eurozone
    • Ensures financial markets and institutions are well-supervised and payment systems work well
    • Ensures the safety and soundness of the European banking system
    • Authorizes the production of euro banknotes by eurozone countries

    7. The European Court of Auditors (ECA)

    • Improves the financial management of the EU and informs on the use of public funds
    • Audits EU revenue and expenditure to ensure correct use of funds
    • Checks any person or organization handling EU funds
    • Reports suspected fraud, corruption, or illegal activity to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
    • Produces an annual report for the European Parliament and Council of the EU

    The EU Institutional Environment

    1. The European Council

    • Composed of Heads of State or Government of each EU country and the President of the European Commission
    • The European Council sets the EU's overall direction and political priorities, but does not pass laws
    • Decides on the EU's common foreign and security policy
    • Nominates and appoints candidates to high-profile EU roles, such as the European Central Bank and the Commission
    • Can ask the European Commission to propose legislation or pass issues to the Council of the EU

    2. The Council of the European Union (Council of Ministers)

    • Represents the governments of EU countries and forms part of the legislative power
    • Composed of government ministers from each EU country, meeting in different configurations depending on the policy area
    • Negotiates and adopts EU laws with the European Parliament, based on proposals from the European Commission
    • Coordinates EU countries' policies and develops the EU's foreign and security policy
    • Concludes agreements between the EU and other countries or international organizations
    • Adopts the annual EU budget with the European Parliament

    3. The European Commission

    • Exercises executive power and proposes new laws
    • Composed of 27 Commissioners, one from each EU country, led by the Commission President
    • Manages EU policies and allocates EU funding
    • Enforces EU law, together with the Court of Justice
    • Represents the EU internationally

    4. The European Parliament

    • Represents EU citizens and is elected every 5 years
    • Has three main roles: legislative, supervisory, and budgetary
    • Passes EU laws with the Council of the EU, based on European Commission proposals
    • Exercises democratic scrutiny over all EU institutions
    • Approves the Commission's work program and asks it to propose legislation
    • Examines the European Commission's management of the EU budget

    5. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)

    • Interprets EU law to ensure its uniform application in all EU countries
    • Settles legal disputes between national governments and EU institutions
    • Gives rulings on cases brought before it, including interpreting EU law, enforcing EU law, and annulling EU legal acts
    • Composed of two courts: the Court of Justice and the General Court

    6. The European Central Bank (ECB)

    • Manages the euro and aims to keep prices stable, supporting economic growth and job creation
    • Sets interest rates and manages the foreign currency reserves of the eurozone
    • Ensures financial markets and institutions are well-supervised and payment systems work well
    • Ensures the safety and soundness of the European banking system
    • Authorizes the production of euro banknotes by eurozone countries

    7. The European Court of Auditors (ECA)

    • Improves the financial management of the EU and informs on the use of public funds
    • Audits EU revenue and expenditure to ensure correct use of funds
    • Checks any person or organization handling EU funds
    • Reports suspected fraud, corruption, or illegal activity to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
    • Produces an annual report for the European Parliament and Council of the EU

    The EU Institutional Environment

    1. The European Council

    • Composed of Heads of State or Government of each EU country and the President of the European Commission
    • The European Council sets the EU's overall direction and political priorities, but does not pass laws
    • Decides on the EU's common foreign and security policy
    • Nominates and appoints candidates to high-profile EU roles, such as the European Central Bank and the Commission
    • Can ask the European Commission to propose legislation or pass issues to the Council of the EU

    2. The Council of the European Union (Council of Ministers)

    • Represents the governments of EU countries and forms part of the legislative power
    • Composed of government ministers from each EU country, meeting in different configurations depending on the policy area
    • Negotiates and adopts EU laws with the European Parliament, based on proposals from the European Commission
    • Coordinates EU countries' policies and develops the EU's foreign and security policy
    • Concludes agreements between the EU and other countries or international organizations
    • Adopts the annual EU budget with the European Parliament

    3. The European Commission

    • Exercises executive power and proposes new laws
    • Composed of 27 Commissioners, one from each EU country, led by the Commission President
    • Manages EU policies and allocates EU funding
    • Enforces EU law, together with the Court of Justice
    • Represents the EU internationally

    4. The European Parliament

    • Represents EU citizens and is elected every 5 years
    • Has three main roles: legislative, supervisory, and budgetary
    • Passes EU laws with the Council of the EU, based on European Commission proposals
    • Exercises democratic scrutiny over all EU institutions
    • Approves the Commission's work program and asks it to propose legislation
    • Examines the European Commission's management of the EU budget

    5. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)

    • Interprets EU law to ensure its uniform application in all EU countries
    • Settles legal disputes between national governments and EU institutions
    • Gives rulings on cases brought before it, including interpreting EU law, enforcing EU law, and annulling EU legal acts
    • Composed of two courts: the Court of Justice and the General Court

    6. The European Central Bank (ECB)

    • Manages the euro and aims to keep prices stable, supporting economic growth and job creation
    • Sets interest rates and manages the foreign currency reserves of the eurozone
    • Ensures financial markets and institutions are well-supervised and payment systems work well
    • Ensures the safety and soundness of the European banking system
    • Authorizes the production of euro banknotes by eurozone countries

    7. The European Court of Auditors (ECA)

    • Improves the financial management of the EU and informs on the use of public funds
    • Audits EU revenue and expenditure to ensure correct use of funds
    • Checks any person or organization handling EU funds
    • Reports suspected fraud, corruption, or illegal activity to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
    • Produces an annual report for the European Parliament and Council of the EU

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