This consultative committee is made up of 222 representatives, appointed by the Member States, of the local and regional authorities of the Union. Established by the Maastricht Treaty, it meets in Brussels.

Which has met in Strasbourg since 1949, should not be confused with the European Parliament or the European Council (see above). The Council of Europe has 41 member countries (including Russia and Turkey) and is an intergovernmental organisation which drafts for adoption by member countries Europe-wide conventions in areas such as the protection of human rights, culture and education. The work of the Council of Europe is complementary to the activities of the European Union and the two organisations have always cooperated and maintained close links.

The institution which shares legislative and budgetary power with Parliament. The Foreign Ministers form the "General Affairs" Council, while other ministers attend meetings of the Council dealing with their specific areas of responsibility (agriculture, the environment, health, the budget, and so on). Meetings are held in Brussels or Luxembourg. The presidency of the Council of Ministers changes on a fixed rotational basis every six months.

European Coal and Steel Community. First European community set up in Luxembourg in 1952.

European Economic Community. Established by the Treaty of Rome of 25 March 1957.

European Regional Development Fund, established in 1975 to reduce economic disparities between the regions of Europe.

European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC). Established by the Treaty of Rome of 25 March 1957.

Based in Frankfurt, the European Central Bank is responsible for the monetary policy of the euro zone, i.e. the 11 Member States that have opted for the single currency. Its Executive Board consists of 6 members. The Governing Council comprises the 11 governors of the central banks of the euro zone and the members of the Executive Board.

The Commission consists of 20 Commissioners appointed, subject to approval by the European Parliament, for 5 years. It runs European common policies, implements the budget and ensures compliance with the Treaties. It is based in Brussels.

The European Council brings together, at least twice a year, the Heads of State or Government of the Member States of the Union, together with the President of the European Commission. It sets out the broad policy guidelines of the Union and, as part of European political cooperation, discusses topical international issues. Its meetings take place in the country which holds the presidency of the Council of Ministers.

The European Court of Auditors monitors the sound management of Community finances. It has 15 members. It is based in Luxembourg.

The Court of Justice ensures compliance with the law in the application and interpretation of the Treaties. It is the Union's supreme court and consists of 15 judges, appointed by the Member States by common accord, and 9 advocates-general. Its seat is in Luxembourg.It should not be confused with the International Court of Justice in The Hague which is a United Nations body or with the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg which comes under the Council of Europe.

A consultative committee consisting of 222 representatives of various economic and social groups in the Union. It meets in Brussels.