The Institutions of the European Union and the Legislative Procedures

This chapter describes the seven main institutions of the European Union, namely, the Commission, the European Parliament, the Council (of Ministers) of the EU, the European Council, the Court of Justice, the Court of Auditors, as well as certain subsidiary bodies of the European Union. The European Union operates through an established institutional framework that safeguards its values, realises its objectives, ensures its cohesion and efficacy and serves the interests of its Member States and their citizens. However, each EU institution operates within the boundaries established by the Treaties to an acceptable degree. In addition, these institutions cooperate with one another as stipulated by the Treaties. The Commission, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament comprise the so-called institutional triangle. This triad plays a pivotal role in shaping the laws and policies applicable within the EU.