EU Courses - EU Institutions & Decision-making

This module traces the European Union’s development through its founding treaties, from the Treaty of Paris establishing the ECSC in 1951 to the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009. It covers the milestones of European integration and enlargement, showing how political, legal, and economic cooperation strengthened over time.

The Ordinary Legislative Procedure (OLP) is the default EU law-making process, giving the European Parliament and the Council of the EU equal power as co-legislators. This module explains each stage from proposal to adoption, including readings, conciliation, and possible rejection.

Special legislative procedures apply in policy areas where the Treaties exclude OLP. This module outlines the two main forms: the Consent Procedure, requiring Parliament’s approval without amendments, and the Consultation Procedure, where Parliament provides a non-binding opinion.

Comitology refers to procedures that allow the European Commission to adopt non-legislative acts with Member States’ oversight. This module explains delegated and implementing acts, showing how technical rules are created to ensure uniform application of EU law.

This module examines how the EU budget is funded, allocated, and controlled. It covers revenue sources, expenditure categories, the stages of the annual budgetary procedure, and the role of the institutions in overseeing implementation.

The European Commission is the EU’s executive body, responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and upholding EU law. This module explores its history, structure, main roles, and internal decision-making processes.

The European Parliament is the directly elected institution representing EU citizens. This module explains its evolution, membership, internal structures, roles in legislation and oversight, and how citizens influence its work.

This module distinguishes between the Council of Ministers (Council of the EU) and the European Council. It details their structures, roles, and decision-making processes, while highlighting their central role in shaping EU legislation and strategy.

The Court of Justice of the European Union ensures the uniform interpretation and application of EU law across Member States. This module explains its history, composition, main functions, and key case law principles.

The European External Action Service (EEAS) is the EU’s diplomatic body, supporting the Union’s foreign and security policy. This module covers its composition, functions, and how it coordinates with EU institutions and Member States.

Beyond the main institutions, the EU relies on specialised bodies with legal and financial autonomy. This module introduces consultative, financial, controlling, and decentralised agencies that support EU governance in specific policy areas.

This module provides an overview of key elements that shape everyday EU policies and identity. It explains the Euro, the Schengen Agreement, decision-making basics, and essential terms, providing learners with a concise reference framework.