EU ESSENTIALS
Understanding how the European Union works
THE VALUES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
Peace
Transparency
QUALITY OF LIFE
International cooperation
Freedom
CITIZENSHIP
Education
Solidarity
Equality
Gender equality
COHESION
DEMOCRACY
Human rights
Social justice
PROTECTION
Innovation
Ecology
Public health
THE INSTITUTIONS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL
The European Council brings together the heads of state and government of the 27 member countries of the European Union. Most often acting upstream of European decisions, it defines the main guidelines, initiates the main measures and acts as arbiter in the event of deadlock.
All important political decisions concerning the construction of Europe are also taken by the European Council: reform of the treaties and institutions, financing of the European budget, enlargement of the European Union, positions on the international stage and economic guidelines.
THE EUROPEAN COMISSION
The Commission is the executive branch of the European Union. It drafts legislation adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. It is also responsible for implementing the budget and managing certain Community programs.
It also suggests legislative texts. With its right of initiative, the Commission submits proposed legislation (directives and regulations) to the co-legislators (Council and European Parliament). Unless otherwise provided for in the Treaties, Union legislation can only be adopted on the basis of a Commission proposal.
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
The Council of the European Union (or Council of Ministers, or simply Council) is the body where the government ministers of each EU member state meet to adopt legislation and coordinate policies.
The Council exercises the legislative function on an equal footing with the European Parliament.
Each EU country takes it in turn to chair the Council for a six-month period.
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
The European Parliament represents European citizens across the 27 EU member states.
Today, it is the only European institution whose members are directly elected by universal suffrage for a five-year term. 720 MEPs currently fill the hemicycle.
It has legislative, budgetary and political control powers.
The next European elections will take place in June 2029.
THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
