The Law of European Union

1. Explain the structure and function of the European Commission, the Council, the European Council, and the European Parliament. How do these European institutions compare to the equivalent executive and legislative bodies that one would typically find at the national level? Whose interests are represented in each of these institutions?

2. Some people argue that the EU has a 'democratic deficit'. What does this mean? Would giving the European Parliament greater power help to counteract the 'democratic deficit'? Why or why not?

3. Why is the notion of limited competences important in EU law? How does the competence question relate to the principle of subsidiarity? What is the difference between 'exclusive', 'shared', and 'supporting' competences, and where would you look to find out which competences the EU has?

4. The European Commissioner for the Environment wants to propose a new law regulating the safe disposal of batteries. They have asked you for advice as to whether this law should be a regulation or a directive. Which type of EU law would you recommend, and why? In advising the Commissioner, explain the differences between the two types of law, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.