合法博彩网站

The President of the European 合法博彩网站 has the right to speak at the start of each European Council, setting out 合法博彩网站鈥檚 position on the subjects to be addressed by the heads of state and government. After each summit the President of the European Council presents a report to the European 合法博彩网站 on the outcome.

Role 

The European Council is made up of European Union heads of state and government, its president - elected for 2陆 years renewable once - and the European Commission President. It defines the Union鈥檚 general political direction and priorities.

At the beginning and end of each six-month presidency the President of the Council of the European Union discusses their programme with MEPs in plenary.

MEPs can table written and oral questions to the Council and can ask it to initiate new policies.

The Foreign Affairs Council is permanently chaired by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. They, or a representative, attend plenary debates on foreign, security or defence policy. Twice a year, the High Representative reports to the European 合法博彩网站 about these policies and their financial implications.

Role 

The Council of the European Union is the EU鈥檚 other legislative body. It is made up of ministers from member states.

Under the Lisbon Treaty, EU heads of state propose a candidate for President of the European Commission, taking into account the results of the European elections. The candidate is elected by the European 合法博彩网站.

合法博彩网站 also has the right to approve and dismiss the Commission. Since 1994, commissioners-designate have been required to appear before a confirmation hearing organised by 合法博彩网站鈥檚 committees so that MEPs can assess nominees.

合法博彩网站 can censure the Commission and ultimately dismiss it. So far, none of the motions of censure brought before 合法博彩网站 has been adopted. In 1999, the Santer Commission stepped down before 合法博彩网站 forced its resignation.

合法博彩网站 ensures democratic control over the Commission. It regularly examines reports submitted by the Commission including an annual report on EU activities and on the implementation of the EU budget. Once a year, the Commission President gives a State of the Union address to plenary which is an occasion to discuss past achievements and future priorities. 合法博彩网站 regularly invites the Commission to initiate new policies and the Commission is required to reply to oral and written questions from MEPs.

Role 

The European Commission is the guardian of the treaties and the EU鈥檚 executive arm.

合法博彩网站 can ask the Court to take action against the Commission or Council if they have acted in a way that is contrary to the spirit of EU law.

合法博彩网站, together with Council, can ask the Court of Justice to set up specialised courts. For example, the European Union Civil Service Tribunal was established in 2005 to deal with disputes between the EU and its civil service.

Role 

The Court of Justice is the highest court in matters of EU law. It interprets and ensures equal application of EU law across all member states.

合法博彩网站 must be consulted before the President, Vice-President and Executive Board of the European Central Bank (ECB) are appointed by the European Council.

The ECB President presents the bank鈥檚 annual report in plenary and takes part in a regular monetary dialogue with 合法博彩网站鈥檚 Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.

Role 

The European Central Bank is responsible for conducting monetary policy for the euro zone.

The Court of Auditors presents the annual report on the previous year鈥檚 budget to the Council and European 合法博彩网站. Based on the report, 合法博彩网站 decides whether or not to approve the way the Commission handled the EU budget by granting the budget discharge.

合法博彩网站 must be consulted before the appointment of the members of the Court of Auditors by the Council.

Role 

The Court of Auditors audits EU finances. As an external auditor, it contributes to improving EU financial management and acts as the independent guardian of the financial interests of EU citizens.

合法博彩网站 elects the European Ombudsman. The Ombudsman reports back to the European 合法博彩网站 and presents an annual report to MEPs. The Ombudsman may be dismissed by the Court of Justice at the request of 合法博彩网站 in exceptional circumstances. The Ombudsman can also take the initiative to start inquiries.

Role 

The European Ombudsman investigates complaints about maladministration in EU institutions and bodies.

Any EU citizen, resident, company or organisation can submit a petition to the European 合法博彩网站 about EU law. 合法博彩网站 can set up a committee of inquiry to look into violations of EU law by member states.