How the EU works

There are five EU institutions, each playing a specific role contributing to the 'governance' of the European Union:

  • European Parliament (elected by the peoples of the Member States) 
  • Council of the European Union (representing the Governments of the Member States) 
  • European Commission (driving force and executive body)
  • Court of Justice (ensuring compliance with the Law)
  • Court of Auditors (controlling sound and lawful management of the EU budget) 

Working along with them are five other important bodies:

  • European Economic and Social Committee (expresses the opinions of organised civil society and economic social issues) 
  • Committee of the regions (expresses the opinions of regional and local authorities) 
  • European Central Bank (responsible for monetary policy and managing the Euro) 
  • European Ombudsman (deals with citizens' complaints about the misadministration by any EU institution or body) 
  • European Investment Bank (helps achieve EU objectives by financing investment projects) 

Initially much of the cooperation between EU countries focussed upon trade and the economy, although now, the EU via these organisations also deals with many other subjects of direct importance to our everyday life. Such as: citizens' rights; ensuring freedom, security and justice; job creation; regional development; environmental protection; and making globalisation work for everyone.



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