Six bodies share power across the EU, each with a distinct job.
European Parliament
Directly elected by citizens every five years. Debates and votes on EU laws alongside the Council, and scrutinises the Commission.
European Commission
Proposes new EU laws and enforces the ones already in force. Its members are nominated by member states and approved by Parliament.
Council of the European Union
Government ministers from each member state, meeting by policy area, negotiate and adopt legislation together with Parliament.
European Council
Heads of state or government, setting the EU’s overall political direction — distinct from, and often confused with, the Council of the EU.
Court of Justice of the European Union
Interprets EU law and ensures it’s applied the same way in every member state.
European Ombudsman
Investigates complaints about maladministration by EU institutions — see “Take Action” for how to file one.