The EU and the WTO

The European Parliament: directly elected EU body with legislative, supervisory and budgetary responsibilities. The number of members of each State is proportionate to its population.

The European Council: is the institution that comprises the heads of state or government of the member states, along with the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission.

The Council: where ministers of EU Member States meet to discuss matters, take decisions and pass laws.

The European Commission: is the executive arm of the EU that proposes laws, polices agreements and promotes the Union.

The national parliaments can participate alongside the European institutions in the work of the Union.

The Court of Justice: is checks the legality of the actions of the EU institutions, ensures that the Member States comply with their obligations and interprets EU law at the request of national courts.

The European Central Bank: it aims to manage the euro and the euro-area monetary policy.

The European Court of auditors: its role is to check that EU funds are collected and used correctly, and help improve EU financial management.

The European Economic and Social Committee: aims to represent the organized civil society.

The Committee of Regions: aims to represent Europe’s cities and regions.

The European Ombudsman: investigates complaints about cases of maladministration by the EU institutions.

The European Data Protection Supervisor: its role is to protect citizens’ personal data processed by the EU institutions and bodies.

The European Investment Bank: owned by the Member States, it wants to make long-term finance available for investments in EU-related projects.

The EU agencies: offer advice to the EU institutions, Member States and citizens.