It is considered by Federalists as the embryo of the European gvt.

The Court of Justice, based in Luxemburg, comprises 13 judges assisted by 6 advocates-general, appointed for a six-year term by common agreement between MS. It is independent. The main functions of the Court of Justice:

· To check the laws, enacted by the EU’s institutions and their compatibility with the Treaties;

· To give its opinion on the correct interpretation or the validity of the EU’s provisions when requested by a national Court;

· To help in creating a body of the European law, in shaping the EU.

A Court of 1^st Instance (1987) was set up to deal with administrative disputes within institutions, and businesses over the EU’s competition rights.

The COURT of Auditors (July, 22, 1975) has 9 members to be increased to 12 under the Maastricht Treaty, appointed by the Council for a 6-year term. Its role is:

· To check that revenue is received;

· That expenditure is incurred in a lawful and regular manner;

These committees reflect the interests of various groups in the development of the EU.

The European Commission

(Economic and Social Committee, Consultative Committee) – Executive function

European

European Council Parliament(legislative function)

Court of Justice (Court of Auditors)

(Juridical function)

Questions and tasks

1. What is the main decision-making institution in the EU?

A) The European Council

B) The E. Parliament

C) E. Commission

2. In what city is the General-Secretariat based?

A) London

B) Brussels

C) Strasburg

3. How often are the elections to the EP held?

A) every 10 years

B) every year

C) every 5 years

Date: 2015-12-24; view: 1013