The workings and remit of European institutions

The ‘Union’ of 27 Member States is a model of government that is unique in the world. EU Member States remain independent sovereign nations, but agree to cede authority in some domains to unify the decision-making process in certain issues of common interest, such as pollution, which of course doesn’t stop at national borders.

In this way, some sovereignty is shared through the Community institutions that were set up by the Member States and to which they delegate some of their decision-making powers.

The founding treaties delimit the powers, scope of authority and responsibilities of these institutions.