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Mastering how the European Union works has become essential knowledge for public policy experts, students, EPSO candidates, and advocacy professionals. Our 14h online lessons provide everything you need to understand it—structured, easy-to-follow modules designed by experts in European affairs. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your understanding, our courses will guide you through EU history, institutions, law, and decision-making processes with clarity and precision.
Based on the idea that stronger economic integration was the foundation for development of closer political ties, in 1951 France, the Federal Republic of Germany (commonly referred to as West Germany), Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands signed the Treaty of Paris, creating the European Coal and Steel Community (or ECSC), aimed at coordinating the coal and steel trade between the founding members. Placing these industries under a supranational High Authority was essential in lowering the threat of war. This is considered the first step in economic as well as political European integration, and would be followed by stronger and tighter partnerships, enshrined in Treaties, as well as more members.
The European Parliament is one of the main EU institutions and one of the three pillars of the “decision-making triangle” (together with the European Commission and the Council of the EU). The European Parliament is the voice of EU citizens on the European stage. With its members being directly elected since 1979, it holds a unique democratic legitimacy. In tandem with the Council of the EU, the Parliament has legislative authority, ensuring that the interests of the voters are properly represented.
The European Union’s Ordinary Legislative Procedure (OLP) is the standard decision-making process at the EU level, used for most policy areas by default, unless the EU Treaties specifically state that one of the special legislative procedures, such as the consent or consultation procedure, should be applied instead. In OLP, both the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament, commonly referred to as “co-legislators,” have a deciding vote in the legislative process, and both institutions may amend the European Commission’s legislative proposal.
The Council of Ministers and the European Council are two cornerstone EU institutions that shape the path of EU policies and their implications for Member States. There are many “councils” in the European context, and it is essential to navigate the European landscape with precision. The Council of the European Union, also referred to as the Council of Ministers, has a distinct mandate from the European Council. These are markedly different from the Council of Europe, based in the French city of Strasbourg, which operates outside the EU framework, focusing primarily on human rights. It currently has 46 Member States, including many that are not EU members such as Armenia, Turkey, Iceland, or the United Kingdom.
According to the Treaty of Lisbon, legislation at EU level may be adopted by means of two main procedures: the Ordinary Legislative Procedure (or OLP for short), and the special legislative procedures, whereby depending on the exact policy area under consideration, one of the legislators (that is, either the Parliament, or the Council of Ministers) adopts laws, with limited or significant participation and input from the other. The special legislative procedure includes the Consent Procedure, and the Consultation Procedure.
The Court of Justice of the European Union (Court or CJEU for short) is the EU’s judicial pillar. It plays a key role in conjunction particularly with the European Commission in ensuring the proper and uniform application of EU law across EU Member States. The Court plays a crucial role in ensuring that European law is interpreted and applied consistently across all Member States. This contributes to trust and cooperation among the various EU Member States. It also resolves legal disputes between national governments and EU institutions and may pass judgments against EU institutions on behalf of individuals, companies or organizations whose rights have been infringed.
The word Comitology, originating from the French comité, only exists in the EU context and refers to a set of procedures through which the European Commission adopts by-laws to ensure that rules are implemented in a uniform way in all EU Member States, or certain “non-legislative” acts are adopted in a quick and timely manner. This “regulatory decision-making procedure” has a real and significant impact on people’s lives and businesses in and beyond Europe, across a wide range of sectors, such as the environment, food security, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, and many others given that the detailed technical rules are adopted through this process.
The European External Action Service (or EEAS for short) is the European Union’s diplomatic arm responsible for implementing the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). The EEAS was inaugurated on 1 January 2011, as a result of the Treaty of Lisbon, signed in 2007 and in force since December 2009, marking a turning point in the EU’s commitment to a unified foreign policy.
The exercise of budgetary powers involves determining the overall amount and distribution of annual EU expenditure and the revenue necessary to cover it, as well as controlling the implementation of the budget. The budgetary procedure itself involves the preparation and adoption of the EU budget.
As the EU expanded into areas like research and environmental policy, specialised entities were created to handle complex technical matters. While distinct from core institutions, these agencies and bodies are integral to the EU framework, operating with legal and financial autonomy.Beyond well-known institutions like the European Commission and European Parliament, lesser-known but essential bodies support the Union’s functioning. These include consultative bodies such as the Committee of the Regions, financial institutions like the European Central Bank, and oversight bodies such as the European Ombudsman. Together, they help shape and implement EU policies across various sectors.
The European Commission is one of the main EU institutions, the executive body of the European system of governance and one of the three pillars of the Union's "decision-making triangle" (together with the European Parliament and the Council of the EU). The European Commission, officially head- quartered in Brussels but with offices in Luxembourg and representations in all EU Member States, is legally independent from the Member States and their governments. This ensures that both national interests and collective European priorities are balanced throughout the policy-making process at European level.
As is often the case with history, the information in this section spills over a variety of adjacent topics. We follow a historical thread but you will soon notice the implications each piece of information has for various other dimensions, be they economic, security, or integration-related.
Dr. Helen Limon is a lecturer and researcher in European Studies at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. She designs training projects on political and socio-economic challenges facing EU stakeholders and teaches a diverse cohort of aspiring European professionals. Her research focuses on literacy and a deeper understanding of migration and displacement. A lifelong cultural and economic migrant, she was educated in South Africa, Italy, and Malaysia and spent a decade in Australia and New Zealand before working in Amsterdam and the UK. She later earned a Master’s in International Business Management and a PhD in Children’s Literature at Newcastle University. A committed European, Dr. Limon left the UK after Brexit and continues to collaborate internationally with universities, NGOs, and third-sector organisations.
Dr. Viktor Luszcz is a legal expert in competition and intellectual property law, with extensive experience in cartel, merger, state aid, and trademark cases. He has litigated before the EU Court of Justice, authored numerous publications, and lectures on EU law at Pázmány Péter University. Previously, he served as President of the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office, leading legislative reforms, and was elected Deputy Chairman of the Boards of Appeal Committee of the European Patent Office. He also spent eleven years as a legal secretary at the General Court of the EU, drafting key judgments in intellectual property and competition law. Viktor holds Master of European Law degrees from the College of Europe and the University of Rennes. He speaks Hungarian, Polish, English, French, and German.
Annie Mutamba is a public affairs consultant and lecturer with extensive experience advising governments, institutions, and businesses in Brussels, Washington DC, and Africa. She co-founded Meridia Partners, a consultancy specialising in EU-Africa relations, leading projects on trade, finance, and security.She began her career at the Africa Policy Information Center in Washington DC and later represented the European chemical industry at the EU level. She has lectured at IHECS Brussels and the College of Europe and is Vice-President of the Brussels Africa Hub. She also co-founded Africa Communications Week, a global platform for communication professionals supporting Africa’s transformation.
András Baneth is an author, entrepreneur, and online communication expert. András also has a solid knowledge of EU institutions from his extensive experience at the European Commission and the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.Fluent in English, French and Spanish, he holds an M.A. in law and political sciences and the degree of Master of European Public Administration from the College of Europe, Bruges, Belgium. His bestselling Ultimate EU Test Book has helped tens of thousands of candidates prepare for EPSO competitions.
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EU COURSE is an online learning platform offering professional training and educational programs focused on European Union policies, history, institutions and decision-making processes. Our courses are designed for professionals, students, and organisations seeking to enhance their expertise in EU-related topics.
EU COURSE covers key aspects of the European Union, including:
EU History – The evolution and milestones of European integration.
EU Institutions – Roles and functions of the Commission, Parliament, and Council.
Decision-Making Processes – How EU laws and policies are created and implemented.Courses provide a comprehensive understanding of the EU’s structure and governance.
EU COURSE offers both free and paid courses. Some introductory and general knowledge courses are available at no cost, while specialized or advanced training programs may require payment. Course details, including pricing, are listed on the website.
EU COURSE is designed for professionals, students, and anyone interested in understanding the European Union. It is particularly beneficial for:
Government officials and policymakers working with EU regulations.
Legal and business professionals needing insights into EU laws and policies.
Academics and students studying European affairs.
NGOs and organisations engaging with EU institutions.
Anyone interested in EU history, institutions, and decision-making.
Courses cater to various levels, from beginners to advanced learners.
No prior knowledge is required for most EU COURSE programs. Many courses are designed for beginners and provide foundational knowledge about the EU. However, advanced courses may assume some familiarity with EU policies and institutions. Course descriptions will indicate any recommended background knowledge.
