In the government of the European Union the
European Union, the executive branch is composed of several key institutions:
1. European Commission: The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. It is responsible for proposing new laws, implementing decisions, managing the EU's policies, and representing the EU on the international stage. The Commission is headed by the President of the European Commission, who is appointed by the European Council and approved by the European Parliament.
2. European Council: The European Council consists of the heads of state or government of the EU member states, along with the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission. It sets the overall direction and priorities of the EU. The European Council meets regularly to discuss and make decisions on important issues.
3. Council of the European Union: The Council of the European Union, also known as the Council of Ministers, is composed of government ministers from each EU member state. It is responsible for adopting EU laws, coordinating policies, and negotiating international agreements. The composition of the Council varies depending on the topic being discussed, as different ministers are involved in different policy areas.
4. European Parliament: The European Parliament is the directly elected legislative body of the European Union. It represents the interests of EU citizens and has the power to amend, approve, or reject proposals for EU laws. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are elected every five years from the member states.
5. Court of Justice of the European Union: The Court of Justice of the European Union is the highest court in the European Union. It ensures that EU law is interpreted and applied consistently across all member states. The Court is composed of judges from each member state appointed for a renewable term.
These institutions work together to ensure the effective functioning of the European Union and the implementation of its policies.