EU policy decisions are mostly made by the European Commission, the European Parliament (led by President Ursula van der Leyen), and the European Union Council (led by former President David Sassoli). They make decisions about big problems like going digital, getting the economy back on track, and climate change from their headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.These 2023 meetings aimed to discuss issues related to economic policy, climate change, COVID-19 response, and current Brexit negotiations.Important organizations that aid in the management and integration of the continent are based in Belgium, a significant EU member, and their combined efforts are visible.
Read more
Types of EU Institutions
These organizations, which were created by the Maastricht and Rome Treaties in 1992 and 1957, respectively, offer an intricate yet vital framework for the executive, legislative, judicial, and financial functions of the EU. It depends on seven notable EU organizations. Principal establishments:
1. European Council: The European Council sets political direction and resolves major issues. Former Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel is the current president.
2. EU Commission: The EU Commission enacts legislation, controls spending, develops regulations, makes decisions, and represents the EU abroad. Eurocommission President Van der Leyen. On December 1, 2019, she became European Commission president.
3. EU Parliament: Voters elect the European Parliament, which controls the Commission, makes budgetary decisions, and collaborates with national legislators.
4. European Court of Justice: Equally interprets and applies EU rules across member states.
5. Council of the EU: The Council of Ministers negotiates and adopts legislation, coordinates economic and security policies, and works with the European Parliament.
6. ECB: Manages Eurozone monetary policy.
7. Court of Auditors: Manages EU finances and transparency.
European Commission Updates
The European Commission has led various projects and improvements. In 2023, the Commission put climate risk management in Europe at the top of its list of priorities and suggested steps for the environment that were based on science. Moldova and Ukraine are also progressing toward a shared goal, as shown in the Commission's report. The Commission also said Bosnia and Herzegovina should start talks with the EU about joining. The Commission is also thinking about changes to taxes, which will lead to a tax conference in November. The rules include a base tax rate agreement that must be followed and a way to plan for taxes. Fast payments, consumer finance, and a Capital Markets Union are some of the ways that these projects hope to make the financial system more efficient and flexible.
European Parliament Proceedings
The European Parliament's plenary meetings in Strasbourg and Brussels, where budget laws are approved and reports are written, really knock you down. Tutor a student with Tutortutor. The president will flash town hall and mingle after each debate while the Vice President is on the same line to be different. One time, the 53 Commission departments changed their names. The commission now handles EU finances, legislative proposals, and foreign relations. The judiciary's most fitting presidential role is through lawmaking as a primary emanation of the executive. On June 30, the European Parliament and Council completed the lengthy process of approving the 2022 EU budget. In the third run, spending will approach 169.5 billion euros. Negotiators and member states are seeking economic and managerial unification methods to accomplish EU goals.
Council of the European Union Decisions
The Council of the European Union, an essential EU decision-maker, negotiates and adopts legislative acts in collaboration with the European Parliament. It coordinates member states' policies in various areas like economic governance, education, culture, and employment. The Council develops the EU's foreign and security policy, and concludes international agreements, and approves the budget. The Council helped agree on the €169.5 billion EU budget for 2022, according to recent news coverage. This collaborative effort between the Council and the European Parliament underscores effective governance and financial planning within the EU.
European Central Bank Announcements
The European Central Bank (ECB) responded to rising inflation by hiking its three main interest rates by 0.5 percentage points. Reversing negative interest rates, the first uptick in 11 years surprised investors. The deposit rate transitioned from minus 0.5 percent to zero, alongside adjustments to other rates. Additionally, the ECB unveiled plans to address diverging borrowing costs among countries and introduced new tools to promote financial stability across the eurozone. Key dates include recent decisions to maintain record-high interest rates, unchanged rates following policy meetings, and a 25 basis point increase in key rates in September, reflecting the ECB's proactive approach to economic challenges.
European Court of Justice Rulings
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) is an important body that makes sure all EU member states follow the law by interpreting and supporting it.EU law has been influenced by cases such as Van Gend en Loos (1963) and Franz Grad (1970). Important decisions like Commission v. Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (1964) and Van Duyn v. Home Office (1974) have affected EU laws and regulations.The European Court of Justice (ECJ) is primarily responsible for two things: upholding the rule of law and guaranteeing coherence across EU laws. The decisions rendered by it encompass a broad spectrum of legal issues and serve as standards for the interpretation and application of the law.
European Council Summits
European leaders meet biannually at the European Council, or European Summit. Summits are crucial for EU strategy and major issues. Notable European Council summits:
- First European Council summit in Brussels in 1975 established the Council's position in EU policymaking.
- At Maastricht in 1991, the Treaty on the European Union established the EU and European citizenship.
- The Treaty of Amsterdam updated the Maastricht Treaty and established the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
- Nice Summit (2000): The Treaty of Nice amended the Maastricht Treaty and made the ECHR EU law.
- This summit adopted the Lisbon Treaty, which reformed EU institutions and simplified decision-making.
- The 2014 Brussels Summit confirmed the Lisbon Treaty and established the EEAS.
- Brussels Summit (2016): Brexit and EU refugee policy discussed.
- Brexit and EU-UK relations were discussed during Brussels Summit 2017.
- Brussels Summit (2018): EU priorities: digitization, security, and migration.
- Brexit and the EU budget were discussed at the Brussels Summit 2019.
- At European Council summits, EU member states shaped the strategic direction and addressed key concerns.
EU Presidency Rotations
EU Presidency rotations allow member states to define the EU's agenda and policy priorities by sharing Council chairship. Rotation began in 1952 and continues now. The first rotation took place in 1952; the six-month rotating presidency system was introduced in 1999, the EU expanded in 2004, the Lisbon Treaty was signed in 2007, the European Semester was held in 2013, a new procedure for choosing the president of the European Commission was adopted in 2014, the European Parliament held elections in 2017, and the UK withdrew from the EU in 2019, These rotations, which have established the agenda and policy priorities of the EU, are a reflection of member states' collaborative efforts to resolve common problems and further Union objectives and interests.
EU Budget and Funding Allocations News
Europe's budget and spending levels determine its financial situation. EU multiannual financial frameworks are five- to seven-year spending programs. The 2021 MFF supports human rights, rural development, border security, and the protection of natural resources. Europe's 2021–2027 MFF is linked to Next Generation EU (NGEU). Selling EU bonds and EU-Bills can net the European Commission €800 billion for rebuilding. The funding strategy involves a mix of funding instruments and techniques, ensuring efficient financing through transparent communication. The Commission will publish annual borrowing decisions and semi-annual funding plans to manage the funds effectively. This project encourages the EU to be and and and open, and predictable, and use strategic financial management to help the economy rebound from COVID-19.
Institutional reforms
Institutional reforms involve making changes to established systems and structures within society, such as laws, policies, and organizations. These reforms aim to improve or transform institutions to address social issues or meet specific needs. They are akin to renovating a school building to enhance functionality and accessibility.
| Date |
Reform Name |
| 1957 |
Treaty of Rome |
| 1965 |
Merger Treaty |
| 1974 |
European Council established |
| 1979 |
First direct elections to the European Parliament |
| 1986 |
Single European Act |
| 1992 |
Maastricht Treaty |
| 1997 |
Treaty of Amsterdam |
| 2001 |
Nice Treaty |
| 2007 |
Lisbon Treaty |
| 2012 |
Fiscal Compact |
| 2016 |
European Border and Coast Guard |
| 2019 |
European Public Prosecutor's Office established |
| 2020 |
NextGenerationEU |
EU enlargement news
EU enlargement is the process of new countries joining the European Union, impacting both the EU and the joining nations positively. Notable milestones like the Treaty of Rome in 1957 mark and key developments. Candidate countries such as Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia aspire to meet EU criteria like stable institutions and market economies. The process involves candidacy, negotiations, and accession, enhancing prosperity, diversity, and global influence. In 2024, significant progress is anticipated, with accession talks planned for Ukraine, Moldova, and potentially Georgia. Momentum for EU enlargement in the Western Balkans signals a collective push for expansion and integration.
EU Institutional Relations
The relationship and collaboration between different EU institutions have been a subject of analysis and scrutiny, reflecting the dynamics within the European Union. Notable events include the policy roundtable in December 2020 that focused on the changing EU political system and new institutional dynamics. The European Parliament, Commission, and Council shape EU policies and choices. Recent disputes between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel indicate that EU officials struggle to cooperate. These changes affect how well the EU governs and makes decisions, which shows how important it is for different institutions to work together better to solve complicated problems.
