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EU structure


This subtopic contains a range of resources on the structure and functions of EU institutions, as well as the EU legal system and core principles.

EU institutions

The EU institutional framework consists of seven main institutions that each represent different interests and have been allocated executive, legislative, judicial and other powers. The main EU institutions are:

  1. •

    the European Council

  2. •

    the European Parliament

  3. •

    the European Commission

  4. •

    the Council of the European Union

  5. •

    the Court of Justice of the European Union

  6. •

    the European Central Bank

  7. •

    the European Court of Auditors

The European Council sets the EU's overall political direction, but has no powers to pass laws. It comprises national heads of state or government and meets for a few days at a time every four to six months to decide on broad political priorities and major initiatives. The European Council makes decisions by consensus, except if the EU Treaties provide otherwise. For further reading, see Practice Note: Guide to the European Council.

There are three main institutions involved in EU legislation:

  1. •

    the European Parliament, at which elected MEPs represent European citizens

  2. •

    the

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Latest EU Law News

Apple to ensure iPadOS operating system complies with EU DMA obligations

The European Commission has mandated that Apple ensure its iPad Operating System (iPadOS) complies with the obligations of the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA), following its inclusion on the list of core platform services in April 2024. This includes allowing users to select their default web browser, enabling alternative app stores, and ensuring that accessory devices can access iPadOS features. On 1 November 2024, Apple also published a compliance report outlining the measures it has taken for iPadOS to comply with the EU DMA, which will be evaluated by the Commission alongside stakeholder input. Should the Commission conclude Apple's solutions are non-compliant, it can take formal enforcement action under the EU DMA.

EPO deploys latest MyEPO features for all users

The European Patent Office (EPO) has launched new functionalities for its MyEPO services suite as part of its Strategic Plan 2028, aiming to enhance user experience and streamline the digital patent granting process. The latest release improves workflow, refines the MyEPO's design, and enables self-management options, developed in collaboration with 145 pilot companies. With two-factor authentication being required for accessing MyEPO from 1 January 2025, users are advised to upgrade access methods, as the use of smart cards will be phased out. In addition, the Webform Filing tool and the Online Filing software version 5.14 will also be discontinued from 1 January 2025.

COP16 round-up—1 November 2024

On 1 November 2024, the final day of the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), working groups continued to address draft decisions, and consultations were held on digital sequence information (DSI), resource mobilisation, and the budget. In addition, delegates agreed to establish a subsidiary body on Article 8(j) and provisions of the CBD related to Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs). They also adopted a decision on the operationalisation of the multilateral benefit-sharing mechanism for DSI use and the establishment of the Cali Fund.

Commission adopts new law for transparency reporting under EU DSA

The European Commission has adopted an Implementing Regulation standardising transparency reporting rules for providers of intermediary services under the EU Digital Services Act (DSA). This Implementing Regulation mandates that providers give clear, comparable data on content moderation practices, covering areas such as numbers of pieces of content removed, account terminations, and the accuracy rates of automated content moderation systems. Very large online platforms and search engines must publish the transparency reports twice per year, while other services must report annually. The Implementing Regulation also standardises reporting templates and periods to address previous inconsistencies, allowing for easier comparison of moderation practices. Providers will be required to collect data according to this format from 1 July 2025, with the first harmonised reports due in early 2026. Additionally, the requirements for submitting statements of reasons to the EU DSA Transparency Database will be updated to ensure alignment with the data categories in the Implementing Regulation.

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