The main institutions of the European Union are the Council, the Commission and the Parliament.  

The Council of the European Union is the pre-eminent decision-making body.  It provides a forum for member state representatives to meet regularly at all levels, including ministers and heads of government/state and rotates between member states on a six-monthly basis.
 
The European Commission, currently consisting of one Commissioner from each member state and led by a President, is the Union’s executive body and public service.  It shares policy and decision-making powers with the member states through the European Council and with the European Parliament and is responsible for budget management. 

The European Parliament is the only institution directly elected by EU citizens.  It shares decision-making power with the Council on most internal market policies and has budget approval powers.  More information.
  

Sweden Presidency July 2009 - December 2009

Swedish PM Reinfeldt  - President of the Council

Upon transition to the presidency, Mr Reinfeldt identified; a smooth transition to the Lisbon Treaty;  the economic crisis and the growing climate crisis as the key issues facing the EU.  He has also referred to plans for a "Stockholm Programme" on justice and home affairs

On climate change, he has stressed the multiple benefits of taking action: "when we use less energy, we save money. We improve public finances at the same time as households gain more resources".  He has noted that the upcoming Copenhagen summit must be used to bring on board the developing countries .
There are three main areas for action on the economic crisis; restoring confidence in financial markets, gradual return to the regulations of the Stability Pact and securing a social dimension, focused on getting more people into the labour market.

The Stockholm Programme on justice and home affairs seeks to tackle international crime while safeguarding freedom of movement across borders,  introducing a common system for asylum and resettlement.

More information.