European Union

Need to Know

What is the EU?
Discuss the importance of EU membership for Ireland.
What challenges face Ireland and the EU in the future?
List the five main EU institutions.
Describe the role of the Council of Ministers.
Describe the role of the European Commission
Describe the role of the European Parliament.
Describe the role of the Court of Auditors.
Describe the role of the European Court of Justice.
Explain the steps that are taken when a new EU law is introduced.
Illustrate the role of interest groups in the EU decision making process.
Distinguish between a directive, a regulation, and a decision.
List the main EU policies and list main objective of each of these policies.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the SEM for Ireland.
Discuss the advantages and the disadvantages of the EMU for Ireland.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the CAP for Ireland.
Discuss the benefit of the EU social charter for Irish businesses.
Outline the main elements of the EU Environment Policy.
Outline the main element of the EU Structural Policy
Identify the main elements of the EU Competition Policy.