The European Courts

Court of Justice

The European Court of Justice is based in Luxembourg and each member country sends a judge to the European Court of Justice (ECJ).   There are therefore 25 judges (one for each country) who are assisted by nine Advocates General.   The court exists to ensure that laws passed at a European level are applied and interpreted correctly, however, some areas (notably the common foreign and security policy - CFSP) are outside its jurisdiction.    In certain circumstances individuals can also bring proceedings against EU institutions before the ECJ.

Court of Auditors

The European Court of Auditors’ role is to check that the EU’s funds, which come from the taxpayers, are spent legally, economically and for the intended purpose. The Court of Auditors is based in Luxembourg and has the right to audit any organisation, body or company which handles EU funds.

The European Economic and Social Committee

The European Economic and Social Committee has 344 members and represent a wide range of interests: from employers to trade unionists, consumers to ecologists. The Committee is an advisory body which must give its opinion on proposed EU decisions about such matters as employment, social spending and vocational training.

The Committee of the Regions

The Committee of the Regions is seen as “the local representative” and it is consulted on upcoming EU decisions with a direct impact at the local or regional level in areas such as transport, health, employment or education. The Committee has 344 members who are often leaders of regional governments or mayors of cities.

The European Central Bank

The ECB is based in Frankfurt and is responsible for managing the Euro which is now the official currency of the European Union, however, not all member states have entered into the single currency. (the UK being one of them)  — The ECB works in much the same way as the Bank of England for example, by setting interest rates. Its prime concern is ensuring price stability so that the European economy is not damaged by inflation. The Bank takes it decisions independently of governments and other bodies.

The European Investment Bank

The EIB lends money for projects of European interest, particularly in the less well-off regions. Its role is to finance infrastructure projects such as rail and road links, airports or environmental schemes.

 The EIB also provides credit for investments by small businesses (SMEs). Based in Luxembourg the bank also lends to candidate states and developing countries and because it is owned by the EU governments, the bank is able to raise capital and provide credits at favourable rates.