How EU institutions and agencies work together to protect the rights and improve the lives of European citizens
The European institutions are set up to promote the economic, political and social integration of European countries and to improve the lives of European citizens in general. The EU was founded on the idea that European countries would work together to solve common problems, such as war, poverty and social exclusion, and to take advantage of the economic and cultural opportunities offered by Europe’s diversity.
The European institutions have a variety of roles and functions, such as drafting and implementing laws and policies, managing European programmes and projects, promoting cooperation and dialogue between member countries, and representing the EU in the international arena.
In other words, the European institutions are set up to help European countries work together more effectively and to improve the quality of life of European citizens in general, addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities that arise in an increasingly interconnected and globalised world.
The main European institutions
European Commission: this is the EU’s executive body and is responsible for proposing new laws and policies, as well as overseeing their implementation.
European Council: this body brings together the heads of state or government of the EU member countries and is responsible for setting the EU’s overall policies and priorities.
European Parliament: this is the EU’s legislative body and represents EU citizens. It has the power to approve, amend or reject proposed laws.
Council of the European Union: this body represents the governments of the member countries and is responsible for negotiating and approving EU laws and policies.
Court of Justice of the European Union: this is the EU’s judicial body and is responsible for ensuring that European laws are correctly interpreted and applied.
European Central Bank: this body is responsible for managing EU monetary policy and maintaining financial stability in the euro area.
European Court of Auditors: responsible for auditing EU finances and ensuring that they are used effectively and efficiently.
European External Action Service: is the EU’s diplomatic service and is responsible for managing the EU’s external relations with other countries and international organisations.
European Economic and Social Committee: this is a consultative body of the EU and is responsible for advising the European institutions on economic and social issues.
Committee of the Regions: this body is a forum for representatives of the EU’s regions and cities and is responsible for advising the European institutions on issues relating to the EU’s regions and cities.
Other key institutions that make up the EU: agencies and organisations
European Medicines Agency (EMA): responsible for the evaluation and supervision of medicinal products for human and veterinary use in the EU, in order to ensure their safety and efficacy.
European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA): responsible for improving cybersecurity in the EU, through the promotion of best practices and cooperation between Member States.
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): responsible for assessing and regulating chemicals in the EU, in order to protect human health and the environment.
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA): responsible for improving aviation safety in the EU by regulating and overseeing aviation safety standards and procedures.
European Banking Authority (EBA): is responsible for supervising the banking sector in the EU, in order to ensure financial stability and consumer protection.
European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA): supervises financial markets in the EU to ensure their transparency and stability.
European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP): responsible for providing information and advice on vocational training in the EU, with the aim of improving the skills and employability of European citizens.
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC): responsible for providing information and advice on infectious diseases in the EU, with the aim of improving disease prevention and control.
Eurojust: responsible for improving judicial cooperation in the EU, through the coordination of investigations and cooperation between the judicial authorities of the Member States.
European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound): collects and analyses information on working and living conditions in the EU, with a view to improving labour policies and practices.
European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT): responsible for promoting innovation and knowledge transfer in the EU, through collaboration between companies, universities and other actors in the innovation sector.
European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO): responsible for organising staff selection and recruitment processes for the EU institutions and bodies.
European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF): responsible for investigating and preventing fraud, corruption and any other illegal activity affecting the EU’s financial interests.
European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO): responsible for selecting and recruiting staff for the EU institutions and bodies by organising objective tests and assessments.
Institutions protecting EU interests in areas such as cybersecurity, aviation, vocational training or anti-fraud
European Environment Agency (EEA): responsible for providing information on Europe’s environment and supporting environmental decision-making at European level.
European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA): responsible for improving cooperation between EU Member States in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
European Railway Agency (ERA): responsible for promoting the interoperability and safety of the European railway system and supporting the liberalisation of the European railway market.
Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER): responsible for supporting the creation of an integrated and efficient European energy market by coordinating the activities of national energy regulators.
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): responsible for assessing risks related to food and animal feed to ensure food safety in the EU.
European Railway Authority (AEBR): responsible for managing and developing the EU Central Register of Railway Safety Certificates and providing technical advice on railway safety.
Food Safety and Food Chain Authority (FVO): responsible for carrying out inspections in EU Member States to ensure compliance with food safety and animal and plant protection rules.
Joint Research Centre (JRC): provides scientific and technical advice to the European institutions on a wide range of issues, including climate change, energy, food safety and health.
European Regional Development Centre (ERDF): supports the economic and social development of European regions by funding projects and programmes that promote innovation, competitiveness and territorial cohesion.
European Centre for Nuclear Research (CERN): is responsible for conducting research in particle physics and providing scientific facilities and services for researchers worldwide.
European Data Protection Board (EDPB): responsible for ensuring the protection of European citizens’ personal data by monitoring and promoting the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
European Investment Fund (EIF): responsible for financing and supporting projects and initiatives that promote economic growth and job creation in the EU.
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF): responsible for financing projects and initiatives that promote the economic and social development of European regions, with the aim of reducing economic and social disparities between the different regions of the EU.
European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA): responsible for collecting and analysing information on drugs and drug addiction in Europe, in order to support decision-making and policy development in this field.
European Standardisation Organisation (CEN): responsible for developing and promoting technical and quality standards in the EU, in order to improve the safety, interoperability and competitiveness of European products and services.
European Broadcasting Union (EBU/UER): responsible for representing the interests of public service broadcasters in the EU and promoting cooperation and content exchange between them.
European External Action Service (EEAS): responsible for managing the EU’s foreign and security policy, coordinating diplomatic activities and representing the EU internationally.
These institutions and bodies play a crucial role in policy-making, monitoring and implementation in the EU. They are responsible for ensuring that EU policies are implemented effectively and efficiently, and for protecting the interests and rights of EU citizens. In addition, these institutions and bodies also play an important role in promoting cooperation and integration between EU member countries, in areas such as scientific research, food safety or disease prevention.
