Institutions of the European Union

Contents
	The European Parliament (EP)
	The European Commission
	Council of the European union
	The European Council
	The Court of Justice of the European Communities
	European Court of Auditors
	The Committee of the Regions
	European Economic and Social Committee (ESC)
	The European Ombudsman
	Legislative acts and measures

History

The Court of Auditors was set up in 1975. It is based in Luxembourg. The Court's job is to check that EU funds, which come from the taxpayers, are properly collected and that they are spent legally, economically and for the intended purpose. Its aim is to ensure that the taxpayers get maximum value for their money, and it has the right to audit any person or organisation handling EU funds.

Seat

The seat of the Court of Auditors is in Luxembourg.

Structure

The Court has one member from each EU country, appointed by the Council for a renewable term of six years.

Functions

The Court's main role is to check that the EU budget is correctly implemented - in other words, that EU income and expenditure is legal and above board and to ensure sound financial management. So its work helps guarantee that the EU system operates efficiently and openly.

To carry out its tasks, the Court investigates the paperwork of any person or organisation handling EU income or expenditure. It frequently carries out on-the-spot checks. Its findings are written up in reports which bring any problems to the attention of the Commission and EU member state governments.

To do its job effectively, the Court of Auditors must remain completely independent of the other institutions but at the same time stay in constant touch with them.