CHAPTER 3 - The European Union: Structure and History

The Commission

· Composed of 20 members (Commissioners) and about 15,000 civil servants

· The Commission is the EU's civil, service

· It implements the common policies, including development policy and manages international trade on behalf of the EU

· It is not a political decision making body but prepares legislative proposals for the Council of Ministers to decide

· The headquarters is in Brussels, Belgium.

The Council of Ministers

· The main decision making body. Represents the governments of members states

· Provision for regular meetings of the Ministers responsible for different subjects, for example, Foreign Affairs Ministers meet once a month, Development Ministers once every six months

· European Council (summit) of Heads of State and Government once every six months

· There is a rotating presidency. Every six months another member state has responsibility for chairing the meetings and advancing the business.

The European Parliament

· Directly elected since 1979
· at first it had only a consultative role but with time, its power has continued to increase
· approves the EU budget and can amend it with some restrictions
· approves international agreements negotiated by the EU
· cannot initiate binding legislation; only reacts to proposals
· can write reports on any subject it likes - these can be useful for raising debate
· has committees on subjects including foreign affairs, development and environment.

The Economic and Social Committee

· This is a consultative body representing economic and social interests

· It is organised in three groups - employers, workers (trade unions) and 'various' which includes some other groups such as farmers-development NGOs that are invited informally

· It occasionally holds meetings with ACP economic and social interests.

European Union Evolution - Some Dates and Stages