Chapter 11 - EU Agencies

This chapter explores the lesser-known yet vital EU institutions and bodies that significantly contribute to the functioning

Chapter 1 - EU History

The European Union began after World War II, as nations sought to prevent future conflicts. In 1951, France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands signed the Treaty of Paris, creating the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), the first step towards integration. Over time, major Treaties and new member states further strengthened and expanded the Union.

Chapter 2 - The European Commission

The European Commission, one of the EU's main institutions, is the executive body within the Union's "decision-making triangle," alongside the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Acting as the "Guardian of the Treaties," it upholds EU law and promotes the collective European interest. Headquartered in Brussels, the Commission operates independently from Member State governments, proposing legislation, overseeing its implementation, and balancing national and European priorities.

Chapter 3 - The Council of the EU and the European Council

The Council of Ministers and the European Council are two cornerstone EU institutions that shape the path of EU policies and

Chapter 4 - The European Parliament

The European Parliament is one of the main EU institutions and one of the three pillars of the “decision-making triangle” (together with the European Commission and the Council of the EU). The European Parliament is the voice of EU citizens on the European stage. With its members being directly elected since 1979, it holds a unique democratic legitimacy. In tandem with the

Chapter 5 - The Court of Justice of the EU

The Court of Justice of the European Union (Court or CJEU for short) is the EU’s judicial pillar. It plays a key role in conjunction particularly with the European Commission in ensuring the proper and uniform application of EU law across EU Member States.

Chapter 6 - The Ordinary Legislative Procedure

The European Union’s Ordinary Legislative Procedure (OLP) is the standard decision-making process at the EU level, used for

Chapter 7 - Special Legislative Procedures

The special legislative procedure includes the Consent Procedure, the Consultation Procedure, and certain other procedures

Chapter 8 - Comitology

Comitology, derived from the French word comité, refers to EU-specific procedures that allow the European Commission to adopt by-laws or “non-legislative” acts to ensure uniform implementation of rules across Member States. Used when co-legislators leave details undefined, comitology enables the Commission to propose and adopt technical rules under their supervision, impacting sectors such as the environment, food security, energy, and more.

Chapter 9 - European External Action Service

The European External Action Service (or EEAS for short) is the European Union’s diplomatic arm responsible for implementing the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). The EEAS

Chapter 10 - Other institutions and bodies

This chapter explores the lesser-known yet vital EU institutions and bodies that significantly contribute to the functioning