| Key EU Institutions |
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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. |
