JUNIOR CYCLE BUSINESS STUDIES The European Commission
The European Commission is the thinking engine of the EU as it proposes EU laws and puts them into effect once they are passed. It is made up of 28 commissioners – one representative is elected by each member state.
The European Parliament
The European Parliament is the talking body of the EU. There are approximately 750 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). Elections to the European Parliament take place every five years. Ireland has 11 MEPs for 2014 to 2019.
It is the function of the parliament to discuss the European Commission’s proposals and give feedback.
The Council of Ministers
The Council of Ministers is the deciding body of the EU. The Council considers the Commission’s proposals and decides whether to accept or reject them.
European Parliament
Visit the European Parliament website (europarl.europa.eu) to research current EU affairs. Have a class discussion about an issue that is currently being discussed at the European Parliament.
THE EU SINGLE MARKET
The European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) is responsible for the economic co-ordination of the EU member states, which helps them to operate as one large market.
The EU single market allows the free movement of goods and services, capital and labour between the EU member states.
The single market allows workers to move freely between EU member states. Common standards and legislation are enforced across the market (e.g. health and safety standards).
