European Law: Revision Notes
EUROPEAN LAW REVISION NOTES
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The UK joined the EU in 1973. Originally sent up following World War 2, the EU was an attempt by many western European countries to rebuild their economies by working closely together. The idea was that they would be more prosperous when working together. The countries then decided that they would share a common framework of laws in the areas of employment and the trading of goods and services between the countries. Now EU Laws cover other areas such as health and food safety and sex discrimination laws. Attempts to adopt a common criminal law have been strongly resisted by the UK.
The EU is currently made up of 27 Member States which include the UK, France & Germany.
What do I need to know?
• What are the institutions that make law in Europe? • What types of law are passed by them?
The law making Institutions
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT • Based in Brussels & Strasbourg. • There are 785 Members of European Parliament who are elected by the citizens of the member state every 5 years. • Main function is to discuss and comment on the proposals put forward by the Commission, but it has no direct law-making authority. • But assent of Parliament is required to any international agreements the Union wishes to enter in. (e.g. admitting new member states) • Has some power over the Union budget.
EUROPEAN COMMISSION • 27 commissioners who act independently of national origin (1 commissioner per member state) • Initiates all new EU laws. • Proposes and presents drafts of legislation to the Council. “The commission proposes and the council disposes”. • ‘Guardian of the treaties’ - Checks that the Member States are following the laws. Has a duty to intervene and refer to ECJ. • Responsible for the administration of the Union and has executive powers to implement the Union’s budget.
COUNCIL OF MINISTERS • Made up of representatives from each
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The UK joined the EU in 1973. Originally sent up following World War 2, the EU was an attempt by many western European countries to rebuild their economies by working closely together. The idea was that they would be more prosperous when working together. The countries then decided that they would share a common framework of laws in the areas of employment and the trading of goods and services between the countries. Now EU Laws cover other areas such as health and food safety and sex discrimination laws. Attempts to adopt a common criminal law have been strongly resisted by the UK.
The EU is currently made up of 27 Member States which include the UK, France & Germany.
What do I need to know?
• What are the institutions that make law in Europe? • What types of law are passed by them?
The law making Institutions
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT • Based in Brussels & Strasbourg. • There are 785 Members of European Parliament who are elected by the citizens of the member state every 5 years. • Main function is to discuss and comment on the proposals put forward by the Commission, but it has no direct law-making authority. • But assent of Parliament is required to any international agreements the Union wishes to enter in. (e.g. admitting new member states) • Has some power over the Union budget.
EUROPEAN COMMISSION • 27 commissioners who act independently of national origin (1 commissioner per member state) • Initiates all new EU laws. • Proposes and presents drafts of legislation to the Council. “The commission proposes and the council disposes”. • ‘Guardian of the treaties’ - Checks that the Member States are following the laws. Has a duty to intervene and refer to ECJ. • Responsible for the administration of the Union and has executive powers to implement the Union’s budget.
COUNCIL OF MINISTERS • Made up of representatives from each