21. p. 757Institutions of the European Union
- Andrew Le Sueur, Andrew Le SueurProfessor of Constitutional Justice, University of Essex
- Maurice SunkinMaurice SunkinProfessor of Public Law and Socio-Legal Studies, University of Essex
- and Jo Eric Khushal MurkensJo Eric Khushal MurkensAssociate Professor of Law, London School of Economics and Political Science
Abstract
This chapter introduces the project of European integration and discusses the legal basis of the EU, which consists of treaties that authorize law-making. It will identify the principal executive institutions of the European Union and their functions. They will be classified under the headings of supranationalism and intergovernmentalism. The chapter will also examine the process of enacting legislation and the role of the European Parliament. Drawing on an understanding of similar institutions and processes in the UK, the discussion is particularly concerned with an assessment of the institutions in terms of public law values, such as legitimacy, accountability, and transparency.
