eu law

• What is the European Union?

  A group of democratic European countries
• When was the European Union formed?

  1957
• Which countries were the founding members of the EU?

  France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy, Netherlands, Germany
• When did the UK join the European Union?

  1st January 1973
• What did the European Communities Act 1972 do?

  Made EU laws part of UK law
• What did the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020 achieve?

  Solidified Brexit
• What is supranationalism in the context of the EU?

  Member States delegate decision-making power
• What are the main EU institutions?

  • European Council/Summit
  • European Parliament
  • Council of the European Union
  • European Commission
  • Court of Justice of the European Union
• How often does the European Council meet?

  At least 4 times a year
• What is the role of the European Council?

  Decides overall EU policy and sets agendas
• Who is the President of the European Council?

  Charles Michel
• Who composes the European Commission?

  27 Commissioners nominated by Member States
• What is the Treaty of Rome 1957's significance for the European Commission?

  Commissioners must work independently of governments
• What are the two roles of the European Commission?

  Legislative and Judicial
• What is the 'Right of initiative' in the European Commission?

  Proposes new European legislation
• What is the European Citizens’ Initiative?

  Allows citizens to call for new laws
• What does the European Commission publish?

  Green and White papers
• What is the role of the European Commission as the Guardian of the Treaties?

  Intervenes if EU law is not implemented
• What was the outcome of the Re Tachographs case in 1979?

  Enforcement of tachograph regulations ordered
• How does the Council of the EU represent Member States?

  Each MS sends a representative based on topics
• What is the main law-making body of the EU?

  The Council of the EU
• What are the voting procedures in the Council of the EU?

  Unanimity, Simple majority, Qualified majority
• What is the composition of the European Parliament?

  705 Members + President
• How are Members of the European Parliament elected?

  Directly elected in their own countries
• What is the term for low voter turnout in EU elections?

  Democratic deficit
• What is the role of the European Parliament in relation to the Commission?

  Supervises the Commission and can require resignation
• What is the Ordinary Legislative Procedure?

  Parliament and Council share equal powers
• What is the Assent Procedure in the European Parliament?

  Council must obtain Parliament's assent for decisions
• What is the composition of the Court of Justice of the EU?

  27 Judges, one from each Member State
• What is the role of the Court of Justice of the EU?

  Ensures laws are applied uniformly across MS
• What is the significance of the Preliminary Ruling Procedure?

  Binding on all Member States' courts
• What happens when a case is referred to the Court of Justice?

  Proceedings in the national court are suspended
• What is the ACTE CLAIR doctrine?

  No referral if the law is clear and certain
• What is the role of the General Court?

  Reduces workload of the Court of Justice
• What is the significance of the Van Duyn v Home Office case?

  Established free movement rights under EU law
• What is the difference between mandatory and discretionary referrals?

  Mandatory referrals must be made; discretionary are optional
• What guidance did Lord Denning provide for referrals?

  Referral must be necessary to decide a case
• What is the role of the Court of Justice in relation to national courts?

  Assists national courts in interpreting EU law
• What is the role of the Court of Justice in hearing disputes?

  Hears disputes against Member States and institutions
• What is the significance of the UK v Council of the European Union case?

  Demonstrated the judicial role of the Commission