The real power to make European laws lies with the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers. Parliament also approves the budget of the European Union.
It is the only directly elected EU institution, and is currently made up of 736 Members who are elected by people in the Member States every five years under a system of proportional representation.
All European laws are passed by your MEP and your Minister in the Council of Ministers. Parliament meets in Brussels and Strasbourg.
One Minister from each Member State - which Minister it is depends on the subject being discussed. For example, environment Ministers meet to pass laws on controlling pollution. The Council of Ministers meets in Brussels and Luxembourg.
Made up of the Heads of State or Government and the President of the European Commission. It sets the overall agenda for EU policies. The European Council meets in Brussels four times a year.
Not to be confused with:
The
Council of Europe, which is not part of the EU, was founded in 1949 to promote cultural diversity, democratisation and human rights. It is based in Strasbourg.
Proposes European laws and ensures that policies are enforced.
European Commissioners are appointed for a five-year term, one from each of the 27 Member States. They swear to put the interests of the EU as a whole above the interests of their country. Parliament monitors the Commission's activities, and can bring a motion of censure to dismiss it. The European Commission is based in Brussels.
Makes sure countries comply with EU law and settles disputes over how EU treaties and legislation are interpreted. It is based in Luxembourg.
Not to be confused with: