10. Otros organismos administrativos de la UE

Understanding the Role of the Committee of the Regions

Introduction to European Institutions

• The video discusses various European institutions, focusing on lesser-known administrative bodies that complement well-known entities like the European Parliament and Commission.

The Committee of the Regions

• Established by the Maastricht Treaty, the Committee serves as a consultative body representing regions and municipalities in Europe. Its primary role is to voice regional interests to the Commission and Council through opinions.

• Composed of 329 representatives appointed based on member state populations, these representatives are nominated by their respective countries but officially appointed by the Council for a renewable five-year term.

• Germany, France, and Italy each have 24 representatives; Spain and Poland have 21; Romania has 15; while smaller states like Malta have only 5. The distribution reflects population size across EU member states.

• Leadership within the Committee includes a president and vice-president elected for two-and-a-half-year terms, responsible for directing plenary sessions and representing the committee officially.

Functions of the Committee

• The Committee's main functions include issuing opinions at other institutions' requests—this is mandatory before legislative decisions in areas such as public health and economic policy.

• It can also issue opinions independently or challenge EU institutions if they fail to consult it when required by law. This highlights its advisory capacity within EU governance structures.

Exploring Other Advisory Bodies: The Economic and Social Committee

Overview of the Economic and Social Committee

• Similar to the Committee of Regions, this body allows interest groups to formally express opinions on EU legislative proposals, consisting of 329 members serving five-year terms after being appointed by the Council.

• It represents three specific interest groups: entrepreneurs (business associations), workers (national unions), and diverse sectors including small businesses and environmental organizations under "European Diversity Group."

Key Functions

• Its primary roles involve ensuring EU legislation aligns with economic/social conditions, promoting participatory governance among stakeholders, and advocating for democratic values within civil society organizations.

• Like its counterpart, it must be consulted before decisions in areas such as agricultural policy or environmental regulations are made unless an opinion is issued voluntarily or upon request from other institutions.

The European External Action Service: A Diplomatic Body

Introduction to EEAS

• Established in 2001, this service acts as the diplomatic arm of the EU supporting high-level foreign affairs representation led by a Vice-President who also serves as High Representative for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy.

Structure & Functionality

European Union Institutions and Their Functions

Overview of the European Union's External Relations

• The daily superlative role supports high representatives in managing diplomatic relations and strategic partnerships with non-EU countries, collaborating with national diplomatic services, the United Nations, and host nations.

The European Ombudsman

• A deeper exploration of the European External Action Service will occur later when discussing EU foreign policy; it's essential to revisit the significant role of the European Ombudsman.

• The Ombudsman is an independent control body investigating administrative malpractice. Appointed by the European Parliament for a renewable five-year term, they promote good administration and accountability within institutions.

• The Ombudsman can initiate investigations based on complaints or independently regarding violations of fundamental rights or legal principles within EU administration.

The European Investment Bank (EIB)

• Transitioning to another institution, the EIB aims to contribute to sustainable development both inside and outside the EU, headquartered in Luxembourg.

• Its unique structure involves member states as shareholders providing direct funding based on their economic weight.

• EIB activities focus on three main areas:

• Loan sessions aimed at growth and employment,

• Combined financing that integrates loans with other EU funding sources,

• Advisory services to maximize fund utilization.

Agencies of the European Union

• Concluding this section, we must address EU agencies—independent entities focusing on specific issues affecting the EU. They enhance institutional knowledge and execution tools while increasing visibility across member states.

• Executive agencies are created by the Commission for specific tasks over a set period; examples include those focused on small businesses or research.

• Regulatory agencies operate indefinitely in specialized areas across various member states. They are categorized into:

• Community agencies focusing on scientific/technical aspects,

• Common security and defense policy agencies related to external action,