For periods of four years. Problems of policy are the concern of the Council of Ministers, to which

the Commission’s proposals are submitted. Each member country is represented by one minister

in the Council. Decisions can be taken by unanimity (each country has a veto) or by qualified

majority voting, in which each nation has votes partially weighted by its size, and a majority of about

Two-thirds of total votes is needed to carry a provision. Considerable legislative influence, but less

Ultimate power, also resides in the European Parliament. The European Court of Justice has ultimate

Authority to interpret the Treaty, and acts as a kind of Supreme Court. It is supported by a

Court of Auditors, and a Court of First Instance. The Treaty also established a Parliamentary Assembly

And a Court of Justice.

Decisions of the EU are transmitted either through the member countries’ governments by

Means of Directives or directly through Regulations. Consultative institutions include an Economic

And Social Committee and a Monetary Committee. The European Investment Bank has

Been formed and a European Regional Development Fund established with powers to lend and

Grant money for the development of backward regions of the EU. In addition, a European Social

Fund has been set up to assist the redeployment of workers thrown out of work, particularly if