How does the EU work?

The EU is a unique grouping of nations, countries and their citizens. Every member country is different, with shared and states own laws. People, who are concerned about law can appeal to the Court Justice of the European Union. There is one judge per Member State.

The Council of the European Union

Discusses policy and also initiates regulations and directives

The presidency changes every 6 months, all members take turns on equal terms

The fundamental decisions on European policy

European Parliament

Represents the citizens of the EU countries and is elected by them every 5 years

They cannot take decisions about laws for the EU by itself, it usually has to approve a resolution of the Council of the European Union for this to take effect

They have to vote to endorse the European Commission and can reject it

Approves the budget of the European Union

The European Commission

One member per country

Represents the common interests of the European Union

Each member is responsible for a specific area and stays in position for 5 years

The Council and the Parliament can only decide things on the basis of a proposal from the Commission

The European Central Bank

Bank for the euro countries

Countries that have introduced the euro are representatives