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What is the difference between the EU and the European Council?
I can outline the difference between the European Union and the European Council.
Lesson 2 of 8
New
New
- Year 11
What is the difference between the EU and the European Council?
I can outline the difference between the European Union and the European Council.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The EU is a political and economic union of 27 member states. MEPs vote on and shape legislation.
- The European Council sets the EU's strategic direction, with Heads of State or government meeting to discuss key issues.
- The Parliament of the EU is made up of elected MEPs from Member States. Citizens can engage with them in many ways.
- Political institutions, like Parliament, the EU and the EC evolve over time to address increasingly complex issues.
Keywords
Member of European Parliament - elected members of the Parliament of Europe; they are elected from Member States
Summit - a meeting between heads of government
Bloc - a group of countries or political parties with common interests who have formed an alliance
Common misconception
The EU and the EC do the same thing.
The European Union is governed by the European Parliament which has directly elected represnetatives. These are called MEPs. The European Council has representatives from Member States who are their country's leaders.
Encourage pupils to compare and contrast the roles of the EU and EC through real-world examples, such as how each institution responds to current issues.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which is not a benefit for Member States of the EU?
Which is not a benefit for Member States of the EU?
economic benefits
enhanced security
Q2.Which of the following was a key step in the formation of different unions post-WWII?
Which of the following was a key step in the formation of different unions post-WWII?
the formation of the United Nations
the establishment of NATO
Q3.Match the word to the correct definition.
Match the word to the correct definition.
Q4.What does the USSR stand for? The Union of ...
What does the USSR stand for? The Union of ...
Q5.Put these events in chronological order.
Put these events in chronological order.
Q6.What other kind of benefits does the EU provide besides economic and security ones?
What other kind of benefits does the EU provide besides economic and security ones?
elections
passports
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Members of European Parliament vote on and shape ...
Members of European Parliament vote on and shape ...
Q2.Who sets the EU's strategic direction?
Who sets the EU's strategic direction?
the European Parliament
the European Commission
Q3.Match the word to the correct definition.
Match the word to the correct definition.
Q4.What evolves over time to address increasingly complex issues?
What evolves over time to address increasingly complex issues?
popular trends
national holidays
Q5.The European Union is governed by the which has directly elected representatives.
The European Union is governed by the which has directly elected representatives.
Q6.Which is not a way for citizens to engage with Members of European Parliament?
Which is not a way for citizens to engage with Members of European Parliament?
contacting them directly
attending public meetings
