ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the organization and institutions of the European Union (EU). It aims to make some general observations on the organization of the EU. The chapter explores the separation of powers within the EU. It discusses some organizational changes proposed in the EU Constitution and the Treaty of Lisbon (ToL). To make the Commission’s work possible, the national authorities have to give the Commission information about how EU law is implemented in their particular Member State. The chapter also explains the special nature of the Treaty establishing a European Community (EC) and the distinction between the EC and the EU. It also aims to made it clear that different issues are dealt with in the EU through different forms of international co-operation. The ToL is designed to make EU institutions more efficient and to ‘stream-line’ decision making in the enlarged EU of 27 nations.
