EU Institutions
Description of each EU institution, EU body, EU agency.
The application of EU knowledge testing is expected to be included in competitions like the AD5 generalist competition in 2024. The test format consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that focus on substantive topics such as treaty base, legislative procedures, institutional competencies, and key policies. The questions are based on universally accessible sources of information, and candidates will be informed about the specific sources used.
It is advisable for candidates to familiarize themselves with EU terminology in their second language, as proficiency in the language may be assessed during interviews for those on the Reserve List.
EU Institutions
European Parliament:
Represents citizens of EU countries.
Directly elected by citizens.
Takes joint decisions on European laws with the Council of the European Union.
Approves the EU budget.
Manages liaison offices in EU capitals, London, Edinburgh, and Washington D.C.
European Council:
Comprises heads of state or government of EU countries.
Defines general political direction and priorities of the EU.
Chaired by a president with a 2.5-year term (renewable once).
Does not adopt laws except for possible EU Treaty amendments.
Council of the European Union:
Represents governments of EU countries.
Ministers from each government meet to adopt laws and coordinate policies.
Takes joint decisions on European laws with the European Parliament.
Meeting configurations vary based on the topic under discussion.
European Commission:
Represents common interests of the EU.
Main executive body.
Uses the 'right of initiative' to propose new laws.
Proposals scrutinized and adopted by the European Parliament and Council.
Manages EU policies, budget, and ensures correct application of EU law.
Representation offices across the EU facilitate cooperation and provide information.
Court of Justice of the European Union:
Ensures EU law compliance and correct interpretation and application of Treaties.
Reviews legality of EU institutions' acts.
Ensures EU countries comply with Treaty obligations.
Interprets EU law at the request of national courts.
European Central Bank:
Responsible for price stability in the euro area.
Manages monetary and exchange rate policy in the Eurozone.
Supports EU economic policies.
European Court of Auditors:
Contributes to improving EU financial management.
Promotes accountability and transparency.
Acts as an independent guardian of the financial interests of EU citizens.
Checks that EU funds are correctly accounted for and spent in accordance with rules.
Ensures value for money in EU expenditures.
EU Bodies
European External Action Service (EEAS):
EU's diplomatic service.
Supports High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission.
Implements common foreign and security policy.
Ensures consistency and coordination of EU's external action.
Operates a global network of EU Delegations.
European Economic and Social Committee (EESC):
Represents civil society stakeholders across Europe.
Includes employers, workers, and representatives from various organizations.
Consulted by the European Parliament, Council of the European Union, and European Commission on policy matters within its remit.
European Committee of the Regions (CoR):
Represents regional and local authorities.
Consulted by the European Parliament, Council of the European Union, and European Commission on matters relevant to local and regional authorities.
European Investment Bank (EIB):
Lending arm of the European Union.
Focuses on climate, environment, development, innovation, skills, small and medium-sized businesses, infrastructure, and cohesion.
European Ombudsman:
Independent and impartial body.
Holds EU institutions and agencies accountable.
Promotes good administration.
Investigates complaints about maladministration and systemic issues.
Assists individuals, businesses, and organizations facing problems with the EU.
European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS):
Ensures EU institutions and bodies respect people's right to privacy.
Monitors the processing of personal data.
European Data Protection Board (EDPB):
Independent body.
Ensures consistent application of data protection rules throughout the EU.
Promotes cooperation between national data protection authorities in the EU.
Interinstitutional Services
Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-EU):
Manages threats to EU institutions' computer systems.
Supports IT security teams in each EU institution.
Liaises with public-sector CERT counterparts in EU countries.
European School of Administration:
Provides training in specific areas for EU staff.
Works closely with training departments of all institutions to avoid duplication.
European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO):
EU's selection office.
Organizes competitions to recruit candidates for EU institutions and agencies.
Publications Office:
Official provider of publishing services to all EU institutions, bodies, and agencies.
Central point of access to EU law, publications, open data, research results, procurement notices, and other official information.
Established in 1969, serving as the key entity for publishing services.
Decentralized agencies
Agency for Support for BEREC (BEREC Office):
Maintains consistent application of regulations for electronic communications across the EU.
Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER):
Works for a more competitive, efficient, and secure energy market.
Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO):
Grants intellectual property rights to new plant varieties in the EU.
Eurofound:
Works to improve employment conditions and social policies in the EU.
Eurojust:
Supports judicial cooperation in the EU for cross-border crimes.
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA):
Helps make workplaces safer, healthier, and more productive.
European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems (eu-LISA):
Supports the EU’s justice policies by managing large-scale IT systems.
European Banking Authority (EBA):
Works to implement standard rules for banking regulation and supervision in all EU countries.
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC):
Helps EU governments prepare for stopping the spread of infectious diseases.
European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop):
Helps EU institutions and organizations develop and meet vocational training needs.
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA):
Implements the EU's chemicals legislation.
European Environment Agency (EEA):
Provides independent information to EU countries on developing, implementing, and evaluating environmental policies.
European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA):
Promotes common standards for control, inspection, and surveillance under the EU’s common fisheries policy.
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
Provides independent scientific data and advice on possible risks in the food chain.
European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE):
Supports efforts to bring about gender equality in the EU.
European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA):
Advises the EU institutions on maintaining an effective and stable financial system.
European Labour Authority (ELA):
Ensures proper application of cross-border labor and social security rules in the EU.
European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA):
Provides knowledge and expertise to improve maritime safety, security, and decrease pollution.
European Medicines Agency (EMA):
Protects and promotes human and animal health by evaluating and monitoring medicines in the EU.
European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA):
Provides the EU with independent information on drugs and drug addiction for effective drug policies.
European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO):
Investigates, prosecutes, and brings to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.
European Training Foundation (ETF):
Supports EU partner countries in reforming their education and training systems.
European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA):
Provides operational and technical support to EU countries for effective implementation of asylum laws.
European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA):
Dedicated to achieving a high common level of cybersecurity across Europe.
European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA):
Provides independent advice to EU and national decision-makers on fundamental rights.
European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL):
Develops and organizes training programs for police services and law enforcement officials in the EU.
European Union Agency for Railways (ERA):
Aims to improve the EU rail system by developing common technical and safety standards.
European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA):
Supports EU investment in satellite and global navigation technologies.
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA):
Promotes common safety and environmental standards for civil aviation in the EU.
European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO):
Manages EU trademark and design rights.
Europol:
Supports EU enforcement agencies in fighting large-scale criminal activities.
Frontex:
Helps EU countries manage external borders and harmonize border controls by providing technical support and expertise.
Single Resolution Board (SRB):
Creates standard rules, procedures, and practical arrangements for bank resolutions in the EU.
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA):
An independent EU authority that protects the stability of the EU's financial system.
Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union (CdT):
Provides translation services for EU agencies and bodies and collaborates with the EU’s other translation services.
Executive agencies
European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA):
Manages European Commission programs contributing to decarbonization and sustainable growth.
European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA):
Manages funding for education, culture, audiovisual, sport, citizenship, and volunteering.
European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA):
Addresses the European Commission’s ambition to rebuild a post-COVID-19 Europe, making it greener, more digital, resilient, and better fit for challenges.
European Innovation Council and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Executive Agency (EISMEA):
Focuses on innovation, aiming to take ideas from Europe to global markets.
European Research Council Executive Agency (ERCEA):
Manages EU programs on research.
European Research Executive Agency (REA):
A funding body for research and innovation, managing EU research grants.
Euratom Agencies and Bodies
Euratom Supply Agency:
Ensures a regular and equitable supply of nuclear fuels to EU users.
Enhances the security of supply to users in the European Union.
Fusion for Energy Joint Undertaking:
Manages the EU’s contribution to the ITER project.
Designed to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion power.
Cooperates with Japan on fusion research and development projects.
Agencies for common foreign and security policy
European Defence Agency:
Supports the development of defence capabilities and military cooperation between EU countries.
Stimulates defence research and technology.
Strengthens the European defence industry.
Acts as a military interface on EU policies.
European Union Institute for Security Studies:
Analyzes foreign, security, and defence policy issues.
Provides analysis.
Organizes discussion forums to help formulate EU policy.
Contributes to debates on security strategy in and outside Europe.
European Union Satellite Centre:
Provides geospatial intelligence products and services.
Analyzes data from Earth observation satellites.
Offers decision-makers early warnings of potential crises for timely diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian measures.
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