EU Knowledge: Institutions, Treaties & Policy

The EU Institutional Architecture

Understanding the EU institutional framework is essential for EPSO exams, whether tested directly in knowledge tests or as context for situational judgement scenarios.

The four key institutions to know thoroughly are:

• European Commission: The EU executive. Proposes legislation, enforces treaties, manages the budget, and represents the EU externally. Led by the President and a college of 27 Commissioners.
• Council of the European Union: Represents member state governments. Co-legislates with the Parliament. Configuration varies by policy area (Foreign Affairs Council, Economic and Financial Affairs Council, etc.).
• European Parliament: Directly elected by EU citizens. Co-legislates with the Council. Approves the EU budget and holds the Commission accountable. Currently has 720 members.
• Court of Justice of the EU: Ensures uniform interpretation of EU law. Comprises the Court of Justice and the General Court.

Beyond these four, familiarise yourself with the European Council (sets strategic direction), the European Central Bank (manages the euro), and the Court of Auditors (audits EU finances).

Key Treaties and Their Significance

EU treaties form the constitutional basis of the Union. The most important for EPSO preparation:

• Treaty of Rome (1957): Established the European Economic Community. Created the common market.
• Single European Act (1986): Launched the single market programme. Introduced qualified majority voting in the Council.
• Treaty of Maastricht (1992): Created the European Union as we know it. Established the three-pillar structure, economic and monetary union, and EU citizenship.
• Treaty of Lisbon (2007): The current framework. Created the position of President of the European Council, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, and gave the Charter of Fundamental Rights binding legal force.

Policy Areas Most Tested in EPSO Exams

While EPSO exams can reference any EU policy area, certain topics appear more frequently: the single market and its four freedoms (goods, services, capital, people), enlargement and neighbourhood policy, the EU budget and multiannual financial framework, cohesion and regional policy, and the common agricultural policy.

Rather than memorising detailed statistics, focus on understanding the purpose and structure of each policy. Why does it exist? How does it work? Which institutions are involved? This conceptual understanding is more useful than specific numbers, which change regularly.