🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: The European Union (EU) is a complex organization comprising 27 member states that adopt common rules through a process representing both citizens and member states. Despite criticisms of being undemocratic, the EU has institutions that ensure democratic representation, such as the European Parliament, Council of the European Union, and the European Commission. The European Parliament represents citizens directly, while the Council of the European Union represents member states, ensuring a balance of democratic representation. Decision-making in the EU involves both direct representation through the European Parliament and geographical representation through the Council of the European Union. The Council of the European Union operates on a principle of weighted majority to balance the interests of larger and smaller member states. The European Parliament lacks legislative initiative powers, but efforts are ongoing to strengthen its role, aiming to enhance democracy within the EU. The EU is a unique experiment where member states relinquish some sovereignty for common interests, requiring a balance between national and European interests for effective functioning and democratic legitimacy. Made with HARPA AI
