The EU Institutions
The European Council sets the EU's overall political direction – but has no powers to pass laws. Led by its President - currently Donald Tusk - and comprising national heads of state or government and the President of the Commission.
The European Parliament, which represents the EU’s citizens and is directly elected by them;
The Council of the European Union, which represents the governments of the individual member countries. The Presidency of the Council is shared by the member states on a rotating basis;
The European Commission, which represents the interests of the Union as a whole;
In principle, the Commission proposes new laws, and the Parliament and Council adopt them. The Commission and the member countries then implement them, and the Commission ensures that the laws are properly applied and implemented.
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