WHAT IS THE POLITICAL
STRUCTURE
OF THE EUROPEAN UNION?
The European Council - resolves major policy issues and sets policy directions
The European Commission - responsible for implementing aspects of EU law and monitoring
member states to ensure they are complying with EU laws
The Council of the European Union - the ultimate controlling authority within the EU
The European Parliament - debates legislation proposed by the commission and forwarded
to it by the council
The Court of Justice - the supreme appeals court for EU law