Файл: 02_EU_institutions.pdf

The European Union 

How the EU works_V5.indd   Sec14:49

How the EU works_V5.indd   Sec14:49

5/11/07   14:49:51

5/11/07   14:49:51

NA
-A

K

-0

6

-4

8

2

-E

N

-C

Your guide to the EU institutions

How the European Union works

The European Union (EU) is unique. It is not a federal State like the United States of 
America because its member countries remain independent sovereign nations. Nor is 
it a purely intergovernmental organisation like the United Nations because the member 
countries do pool some of their sovereignty — and thus gain much greater collective 
strength and infl uence than they could have acting individually. 

They pool their sovereignty by taking joint decisions through shared institutions such 
as the European Parliament, which is elected by EU citizens, and the Council, which 
represents national governments. They decide on the basis of proposals from the 
European Commission, which represents the interests of the EU as a whole. But what 
does each of these institutions do? How do they work together? Who is responsible 
for what?

This booklet sets out the answers in clear and simple language. It also gives a brief 
overview of the agencies and other bodies that are involved in the European Union’s 
work. The aim is to provide you with a helpful guide to EU decision-making.

EN

9 279036 537151

ISBN 92-79-03653-X

How the EU works_V5.indd   Sec14:50

How the EU works_V5.indd   Sec14:50

5/11/07   14:49:52

5/11/07   14:49:52