Council
of the EU
Also known as the "Council
of Ministers", it represents the political branch
of the EU. It sets the objectives, coordinates national policies
and solves any internal or inter-institutions conflict.
European
Parliament
It represents the legislative
branch of the EU institutions. It is directly elected by the
peoples of the EU. Its activities are to pass laws and scrutinise
and control the use of executive power.
European
Commission
It represents the executive
branch of the EU institutions. Its three activities are :
guardian of the Treaties, initiator of proposals for legislation,
and executor of the EU’s policies and of international trade
relations.
Court
of Justice
It is the judicial branch
of the EU. Its aim is to ensure that the law is observed. Institutions,
national governments/bodies/agencies, companies and citizen can
present their case before it.
Court
of Auditors
Its aim is to check that
the EU spends its money in accordance with regulations and
budgetary rules, and for the purposes for which it is intended.
Economic
and Social Committee
It advises the Parliament,
the Council and the Commission on draft Community
legislation and on the main issues affecting society. Its
members are divided into three groups (workers, employers and
various interests).
Committee
of the Regions
It represents regional
and local identities, and is involved in the development and
implementation of EU policies.
European
Investment Bank
It provides loans for
capital investment promoting the EU’s balanced economic
development and integration.
European
Central Bank
Politically independent
from the other EU institutions, its primary objective is to manage
the Euro and keep the inflation low.
European
Ombudsman
Citizens victim of an act of "maladministration"
by the EU institutions or bodies present their case before it.
