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European Union

Terms in this set (33)

Trading bloc
Consists of those countries that have signed a particular trade agreement
The European Commission
Proposes EU legislation, implements it, and monitors compliance.
Functions of European Commission
1. Propose new laws.
2. To enforce EU laws
3. Draft the EU budget
4. To represent the EU internationally
The European Parliament
Directly elected by the citizens and represents the their interests in discussions with other EU institutions.
Functions of the European Parliament
1. Debate and approve EU laws
2. Supervise the EU
3. To approve the EU budget
The Council of the European Union
Most important decision making body of the EU. It represents member states and meetings are attended by one minister from each country.
Functions of the Council of the European Union
1. To pass EU laws
2. To approve the EU budget
3. To cooperate on foreign and defense policy
4. Justice
European Court of Auditors
Ensures the EU budget is managed properly. It must ensure taxpayers money is spent correctly.
Functions of European Court of Auditors
1. Audit a country or organisation
2. Prepares an annual report for the European Parliament and Council of the EU.
3. Give opinion on how to fight fraud and on new financial laws
Court of Justice
Ensures EU laws are applied in the same way across all states. Court is made up of a judge from each country.
Functions of European Court of Justice
.1. Advises national courts
2. Ensures EU law is obeyed
3. Strikes down EU law
Decision making in the EU
1. Commission proposes new law
2. Goes to Parliament for discussion for first reading (second reading may also be needed)
3. Council of European Union and Parliament both vote on new law
4. If passed it becomes law through a directive, regulation, or decision.
Interest Group
a group of people with common goals who organize to influence government.
How interest groups affect the EU decision making process.
1. Lobby MEPs
2. Lobby European Comission an commissioners.
3. Set up office in Brussels
EU Directive
A law all states must obey. It sets out desired result that each country must achieve by a given date. Domestics laws can be changed in any way to achieve this.
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