See also:

• Other institutions and committees related to the European Union

INSTITUTIONS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

   There are six institutions in the European Union:

1. European Commission, also the Commission of the European Communities (CEC) or just the Commission;
2. Council of the European Union, also the Council of Ministers, the Council of the European Communities or just the Council;
3. European Parliament;
4. European Court of Justice, also the Court of Justice, the Court of Justice of the European Communities (ECJ, CJEC);
5. Ombudsman;
6. Court of Auditors, also the European Court of Auditors (ECA).

Institutions do not include the European Council, which consists of the heads of government and state and is a forum for discussion and agreements on strategic principles.

Gateway to the European Union: europa.eu/index_en.htm.