EU Legal Terms E-H

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European Court of Justice (ECJ) — The highest court of the European Union, formally the Court of Justice within the CJEU. It hears appeals from the General Court, delivers preliminary rulings under Article 267 TFEU, and adjudicates direct actions brought by Member States or institutions. Each Member State appoints one judge.

European Central Bank (ECB) — The EU institution responsible for monetary policy for the eurozone, established under Articles 282-284 TFEU. The ECB sets interest rates, conducts foreign exchange operations, and ensures price stability. It is independent from political influence and located in Frankfurt.

European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) — An international treaty of the Council of Europe protecting fundamental rights and freedoms, not an EU instrument. The EU is not a party to the ECHR, though all Member States are. The EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights draws heavily on ECHR principles and case law.

European Economic Area (EEA) — An agreement extending the EU single market to Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. EEA members adopt EU internal market legislation without participation in EU decision-making. They contribute financially to EU cohesion policies.

European Free Trade Association (EFTA) — An intergovernmental organization comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. EFTA states that are also EEA members participate in the single market; Switzerland maintains bilateral agreements with the EU.

Enhanced Cooperation — A mechanism under Article 20 TEU enabling at least nine Member States to adopt EU legislation among themselves when the Council cannot reach unanimity. Used for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Unitary Patent system.

Enlargement — The process by which new states join the European Union under Article 49 TEU. Candidates must satisfy the Copenhagen criteria: stable institutions, functioning market economy, and capacity to implement EU law. Accession requires unanimous Council approval and Parliament consent.

Environmental Policy — EU competence under Articles 191-193 TFEU aiming to preserve environmental quality, protect human health, and promote sustainable development. Based on the precautionary principle and polluter-pays principle, it covers climate change, biodiversity, pollution, and waste management.

Erasmus Programme — The EU’s educational exchange program founded in 1987, formally the Erasmus+ program covering 2021-2027. It supports student mobility, staff exchanges, and international cooperation among educational institutions across Member States and partner countries.

Eurojust — The EU agency for judicial cooperation in criminal matters, established under Article 85 TFEU. It coordinates investigations and prosecutions between Member State judicial authorities, particularly for cross-border serious crime, terrorism, and organized crime.

European Arrest Warrant (EAW) — A simplified cross-border surrender mechanism replacing extradition between Member States, established by Council Framework Decision 2002/584. A judicial authority in one Member State may request the arrest and surrender of a person in another Member State for prosecution or enforcement of a sentence.

European Commission — The EU’s executive arm, composed of one Commissioner per Member State including the President and the High Representative. It holds the exclusive right to propose legislation, enforces EU law through infringement procedures, manages the budget, and represents the EU in trade negotiations.

European Council — The institution composed of Member State heads of state or government, the European Council President, and the Commission President, under Article 15 TEU. It defines the EU’s political direction and priorities, acting by consensus rather than legislation.

European Parliament — The directly elected institution representing EU citizens, composed of 705 MEPs elected every five years. It exercises legislative power jointly with the Council under the ordinary legislative procedure, approves the budget, and provides democratic oversight of other EU institutions.

Europol — The EU Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, based in The Hague. Europol supports Member States in preventing and combating serious international crime, terrorism, and cybercrime through information sharing, analysis, and operational coordination.

External Action — The EU’s comprehensive foreign relations framework under Articles 21-46 TEU, encompassing CFSP, trade policy, development cooperation, humanitarian aid, and sanctions. The European External Action Service (EEAS) implements external action under the High Representative.