EU structure

EU institutions

The EU institutional framework consists of seven main institutions that each represent different interests and have been allocated executive, legislative, judicial and other powers. The main EU institutions are:

1. •

   the European Council

2. •

   the European Parliament

3. •

   the European Commission

4. •

   the Council of the European Union

5. •

   the Court of Justice of the European Union

6. •

   the European Central Bank

7. •

   the European Court of Auditors

The European Council sets the EU's overall political direction, but has no powers to pass laws. It comprises national heads of state or government and meets for a few days at a time every four to six months to decide on broad political priorities and major initiatives. The European Council makes decisions by consensus, except if the EU Treaties provide otherwise. For further reading, see Practice Note: Guide to the European Council.

There are three main institutions involved in EU legislation:

1. •

   the European Parliament, at which elected MEPs represent European citizens

2. •

   the