Other institutions

This section outlines the other institutions and bodies that also exist to help with the development and interpretation of European policies

The Court of Justice

The Court of Justice of the European Communities - located in Luxembourg, is made up of one judge from each EU country, assisted by eight advocates-general.

They are appointed by joint agreement of the governments of the Member States for a renewable term of six years. Their independence is guaranteed. The Court’s role is to ensure that EU law is complied with, and that the Treaties are correctly interpreted and applied.

The Court of Auditors

The Court of Auditors in Luxembourg was established in 1975. It has one member from each EU country, appointed for a term of six years by agreement between the member states following consultation of the European Parliament.

It checks that all the European Union’s revenue has been received and all its expenditure incurred in a lawful and regular manner and that the EU budget has been managed soundly.

The European Economic and Social Committee

When taking decisions in a number of policy areas, the Council and Commission consult the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), its members represent the various economic and social interest groups that collectively make up ‘organised civil society’, and are appointed by the Council for a four-year term.

The Committee of the Regions

The Committee of the Regions (CoR) was established under the Treaty on European Union and consists of representatives of regional and local government proposed by the Member States and appointed by the Council for a four-year term. Under the Treaty, the Council and Commission must consult the CoR on matters of relevance to the regions, and it may also issue opinions on its own initiative.

The European Investment Bank

The European Investment Bank (EIB) - based in Luxembourg, provides loans and guarantees to help the EU’s less developed regions and to help make businesses more competitive.