How does the EU work (and why is it so complex)? | DW News

The EU is complex. Even most Europeans struggle to understand which EU institution does what, who's in charge and how EU laws get passed. DW Reporter Anne-Sophie Brändlin breaks down everything you need to know about how the EU works and why it's so complicated. Because of course, there's a reason for that.
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[@nagihan8114]

Video: “Laws can only pass if...” Subtitles: “Allah can only pass if...”

[@filipinordabest]

Inshallah, peace has arrived to Europe!

[@Guide4Ever]

@@filipinordabest 😆 🤣 inshallah brother from another mother

[@berksapop3062]

@@filipinordabest Its already been in europe sadly :(

[@InvisibleHotdog]

It's accurate

[@antoniogerardogiampaolo259]

Outstanding job as usually in DW

[@barrywebber100]

Many countries trying to work together in mutual co-operation and understanding is difficult and complex. The EU is the best attempt so far to do this in a democratic and respectful way with strong institutions which help to prevent cronyism and corruption. Thank you for your helpful post highlighting the benefits of the EU.

[@ofjeworstlust69]

The "best" attempt to counter corruption is itself as corrupt as can be.

[@barrywebber100]

@@ofjeworstlust69 Evidence? It's human nature to fall pray to corruption, strong institutions are vital to prevent it, the EU succeeds at that.

[@onedaywewill]

When you think that the USA was started with people from Europe and then become a republic, and theyr'e still sqabbling, that worked out well.

[@olgateshlia2008]

European Union leaders most corrupted individuals and racially motivated organization

[@grassytramtracks]

​@@ristopaavola1965 tell me why the EU is not beneficial, with specific evidence and reasons.

[@Chillypuwn]

Very good video, however; there is a little mistake with the flags. You have the Danish flag twice, one of them being mirrored. The flag missing in its place is Malta.

[@olgateshlia2008]

The Leaders of European Union are the most corrupted individuals and racially motivated organization

[@veronicallef]

that moment when they showed every flag except MALTA. We are in the EU too you know...

[@hiroIim]

they used the flag of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta 🤦‍♂ which isnt even located in malta

[@orginal-ascended]

Excellent video, amazing amount of information for 5 minutes!

[@olgateshlia2008]

The Leaders of European Union are the most corrupted individuals and racially motivated organization

[@back_the_fuck_off]

I have a law exam tomorrow and your video made everything so clear. Thanks a lot for the simplicity of your explanations

[@bobs182]

The last 78 years have been the longest period in history that Europeans weren't at war with each other.

[@michaelsteane9926]

Just like the long period when Yugoslavia wasn't at war between its constituent parts.

[@lulassong6524]

That's why the EU was constituted.❤ Unfortunately it's ex empires tend to outdo each other and loyalty is not the norm: France, Germany and Italy.

[@simplythebestincense1979]

Possibly the most unrelated comment to a video I’ve ever read.

[@bobs182]

@@simplythebestincense1979 This is a video about Europeans working together for the betterment of them all. My point is that it is great that they are working together instead of killing each other for once in history.

[@JoshKaufmanstuff]

What was the 2nd longest time of peace?

[@francescogiovannizollo2989]

The EU is complex, because Europe is complex!

[@julian.kollataj]

Sorry, just thought I’d just point out the imagery in my head at 0:21 - “hundreds of building and people traveling back and forth…” - has anyone of late seen any walking buildings? 😋

[@Coohy]

They make it confusing by design

[@nicolae8627]

super helpful, thank u!

[@SukacitaYeremia]

Explaining the EU in a nutshell in 5 minutes? That's a win for an Asian like me!

[@clairet2700]

Why is Malta, a Member State, not represented...unless you got the flag wrong?

[@albinjohnsson2511]

They got the flags wrong. Seems like they used the flag of the Maltese order/Knights of Malta (looks almost like Denmark's flag) instead of the flag of the country of Malta. Really weird mistake.

[@kyramelani5551]

Thank you very much for this video!

[@Lucas-_-Teixeira]

Congrats, informative and useful.

[@unusefulidiot]

3:03 But faulty. The number of MEP are not proportional to the population.

[@dwnews]

@@unusefulidiot Thanks for pointing that out. The number of MEPs is not directly proportional to the population. The parliament has a system of degressive proportionality, which means that smaller states get more MEPs proportional to their population than larger states do.

[@theamici]

@@dwnews This is actually not true either. The number of seats is negotiated, it's about bargaining power, not just the number of people.

[@eedragonr1576]

@@theamici "balance" of power.

[@kridadounsattapong1533]

Lokj

[@Dead_in__side__]

I think the EU is a pretty good idea but it’s really confusing. It’s such a shame the U.K. left 😔

[@jasonkingshott2971]

The EU had many opportunities to change it's way, it didn't and we all know what happened next.

[@olgateshlia2008]

The Leaders of European Union are the most corrupted individuals and racially motivated organization

[@dominicestebanrice7460]

@@jasonkingshott2971 Yes we do......the UK shot its own bollox off.

[@jasonkingshott2971]

@@dominicestebanrice7460 Not according to the democratic majority of the UK, still democracy, referenda are such nasty words in that toxic EU organisation.

[@Nasox]

@@jasonkingshott2971 not UK, England. Every other countries inside the UK wanted to stay. And in a few years England will be alone.

[@keaseball]

Need this for my english-politics test thx 😂

[@virmelybruno5474]

「明確なメッセージ、明確な構造、理解しやすい、ありがとう」、

[@mohammedabdullatif6001]

Wow great great explanation

[@VampiricEmbrace]

Why is Malta's flag not there? 🤔

[@bosnjakkevin]

They put in two Danish flags instead. An unfortunate mistake.

[@veellseamus399]

Map: shows Britain as a part of the eu Me: starts crying

[@maxkurtson9892]

Paddle brave island, paddle away to the middle of the atlantic were you think you are situated. We will miss you.

[@lethu7570]

so touching for an excellent video

[@olgateshlia2008]

The Leaders of European Union are the most corrupted individuals and racially motivated organization

[@veteatomarporculo100]

How do I vote in this thing?

[@labeate]

could you explain slowly please?

[@jyvannimcgregor954]

I confuse

[@jarosawsadowski6756]

Need more people so spread this video more

[@tyler.2885]

What

[@superunwichtig3333]

3:05 This is wrong. It isn't propotional to their population otherwise e.g. Malta wouldn't have any MEP, but they have 6, Luxembourg would have 1, but they have 6, etc.

[@robinspat]

Abandoned me The problem with EU is it failed to protect millions like me in UK who grew up as an EU citizen, never wanted a UK referendum in 2016, voted Remain, as forced to vote, and have had EU citizenship an rights ripped off me and nothing from EU to me in aid, or lifeboat. Nothing at all. 14 million or more British Remain voters just walked away from by EU as though we were nothing and are still nothing. Remember if EU can treat us British (Welsh) EU Remain voters with such disregard when we most needed EU protection… what about you in your EU country? Why would EU parliament, commission, courts etc not simply cast you away too, as inconvenient? I am one of the abandoned, I’m still an EU citizen in my head but I’ve been left as waste at the side of the road? Why?

[@hollaxow3331]

what kind of insane mental gymnastics do you have to perform in order to blame the eu for brexit

[@wpas509]

Its not their fault. The UK public voted for Brexit, then successive governments that were committed to Brexit. Its called Democracy. I don't like it either but what was the EU supposed to do?!

[@maxkurtson9892]

It's sad but it's democracy. It's speaks volumes I think that countries are allowed to vote them selfs out. That this is voluntary. But also the EU is making an example out of the UK. It shouldn't be painless or adventageous to leave, ofc we would want it painfull so it doesn't escalade because countries want there old passport colours back or some other minor thing. I think most EU citizens are genuinely sad that the UK left and we will miss you.

[@lorenzsanjuan]

Eu should build an extraterritorial city (just like DC) to solve the logistical and physical issues of the organization

[@invidusspectator3920]

You do realize that would mean building a city somewhere in Central Europe, far away from all the business and financial centers which fund a lot of the EU policies ? It would be ideal to build a planned city on the Slovenian - Austrian border or on the Austrian - Czech border, but sadly it's in no one's (self) interest to move the EU legislative and executive centres away from all that money. Even though it would better reflect the current EU, as opposed to the European Economic Community for 15 Western Countries that it was 18 years ago.

[@nunosantos485]

Yea, I don’t like the French speakers having most of the institutions on their territory. An EU independent district should be created.

[@olgateshlia2008]

The Leaders of European Union are the most corrupted individuals and racially motivated organization.

[@definitlynotbenlente7671]

​@@nunosantos485 that would only work if the eu was a federation

[@HT-vd4in]

There is actually no EU law which governs a citizen. Instead EU laws govern national governments which have to approve national laws which govern their citizens.

[@thomasjgallagher924]

So if all this complexity is supposed to protect against one nation or institution from becoming too dominant, how is it the tiny country of Hungary can disrupt so much? And how is it the even smaller country of Slovakia can keep everyone else from kicking Hungary out of the club (for now)? Seems to me that this is needlessly complex, bureaucratically heavy, with way too much staff and facilities necessary and redundant to member state institutions, without giving up power to minority interests. It also seems unlikely to be changed since so many folks are enjoying the great European tradition of having government bureaucratic jobs. I'm a big fan of the "European project" but the EU seems like an institution given a third arm just to handcuff the other two.

[@amhoodie5678]

Super helpful, thank you!

[@gringochucha]

Thanks for the great video. It's the best explanation I've seen yet. I have to admit that I found the accent pretty distracting though, even if the reporter's English is excellent. Cheers!

[@sideleanyang542]

Then make a video yourself or find another one if it's so distracting

[@gringochucha]

@@sideleanyang542 Peace, love and aggression.

[@seth_sesu]

Complexity = lack of accountability. Lack of accountability = Difficult to impossible democratic oversight of government. Complexity is one of the EU's biggest bugs.

[@swift4420]

It's not that complex my guy

[@seth_sesu]

​@@swift4420 Not for you and me. We bother to try to understand. But we are talking about a continent - half a billion ppl in several dozen languages and cultures. Anecdotally, all my European friends here in Tokyo - several very accomplished and competent ppl, none of them can tell you how the EU's governing bodies work / how a policy becomes law. That's a huge problem. It fosters lack of trust with the electorate when they don't see the accountability.

[@patriciag6030]

@@seth_sesuIf they don’t want to educate themselves on how the EU works that’s on them not the EU. Lots of people don’t understand how national law works either because they haven’t bothered to look it up. But no one is advocating for getting rid of national governments because politics is too complex to understand for some of the electorate.

[@josephthompson1318]

Treaty changes yes but u must have noticed the fast creeping of eu laws & regs that interfear in the internal running of 'seperate countries. Charger connection to human transplants

[@oldschoolgrech]

I'm quite disappointed that the Maltese flag has been left out.

[@LDTun]

I love this video and the sarcasm haha because atm we have EU law in law school and it is indeed alot of material

[@olgateshlia2008]

The Leaders of European Union are the most corrupted individuals and racially motivated organization

[@LDTun]

@@olgateshlia2008 No actually u r lying because the leaders of north korea, russia and Myanmar etc are more corrupt!

[@LeoSavantt]

Consensus is not an achievement if the wrong one is reached. Furthermore this video has down played the power of the Commission greatly, which has been disproportionally dominated by the European Peoples Party members for 20 years. Having the European Central Bank outside the loop gives the bankers far too much power. The system is opaque, complex and confusing deliberately, so that the people can't understand who is governing them. Look at the tiny role of the parliament, which can't even propose law. The real power is wielded by the Commission that issue Directives to member states which they must obey and never go near the parliament. The levels of corruption, nepotism and incompetence in the EU are not solely because of the awe-full system, but it plays a large part.

[@notch7139]

Compared to what. Compared to the UK the EU is a paragon of democracy. It's funny how brexiteers hate the EU but are happy to be a puppet of the USA. What a joke.

[@LeoSavantt]

@@notch7139 So the EU is a democracy? The EU's president was elected by less than 400 people, she won but that is not surprising, she was the only candidate. The Vice President is a fraudster and was fined last year for insider trading in Spain, he received even fewer votes and was again the only candidate. The next most powerful EU person in charge of the EU's central bank is a criminal convicted of financial crime. The German constitutional court said that 84% of German laws emanate from the EU Commission, none of whom were democratically elected. The EU "Parliament" has no power to make or amend legislation and most EU laws go no where near the parliament ever; the vast majority of EU law is made in complete secrecy by the Commission and is sent as a Directive to national governments who have no power to disobey. If you were in Brussels and told EU staff that the EU was a democracy being polite they would just smile, but behind your back they would just laugh at you. Denmark, France, the Netherlands and Ireland all voted against the EU constitutional treaty, known incorrectly as the Lisbon Treaty, it was imposed on them all the same. The whole point of the EU is to replace democratic government with a technocratic alternative; whether or not that is a good idea is a matter of opinion, but to claim that the EU is democratic is to misunderstand the EU completely. As for being an American puppet, that's ridiculous, the EU controls 1/3 of Europe's landmass and about 1/2 of its population, are the other 2/3 of the land and the other half 1/2 of the people in Europe under US control? Of course they are not.

[@LeoSavantt]

@@Wildboy789789 Because MEPs have no power to make laws whatsoever. The power in Brussels lies in the Commission, un-elected and unaccountable. In the UK we have elections and can turf out our government, in the EU you can't do that. Furthermore you are conflating Europe with the EU. The EU controls just 1/3 of Europe's landmass and about 1/2 of its population. The EU is just a small part of Europe.

[@michaelsteane9926]

Londoners and Mancunians speak English. Parisians speak French. @@Wildboy789789

[@Kiranbela438]

One of the reasons is probably that there are 27 other nations, all of which are different and have different values of a good life.

[@AM-kr3vq]

Very helpful thanks

[@olgateshlia2008]

The Leaders of European Union are the most corrupted individuals and racially motivated organization.

[@intermaria]

I learned little past the fact that the EU is complex, sadly

[@alessiamannella4896]

EU is made by 27 Member states since Brexit (in 2016...).

[@koiyujo1543]

It can be simple to learn and understand if you know your stuff but it's pretty complex it's better than the united states in my opinion even if it's not perfect

[@gana706]

Eu is a economic model not political model

[@theamici]

EU is very much political. They cooperative on things ranging from foreign policy, to ethical guidelines, the rights of citizens, and lately there's been several moves towards a joint defence.

[@chrisjackson1215]

That certainly dosen't keep them from trying. Sorry, i meant succeeding.

[@aditiaggarwal9423]

Amazing video,

[@BodohYono]

Why this video looks like it for the kids in elementary school.

[@AntonDDimov]

Confused!?!. Dont'say .I have a test on this subject .Of course i am confused.

[@voyageur8208]

if the european union will not help ukraine, then i will vote for my country to leave the european union

[@maxkurtson9892]

Luckily we are, perhaps not to the best of our abilities, but better than anyone thought we would

[@katiamb6683]

I think the European Union is working to improve life for their citizens, the institutions were able and apt to work with the member states of the UE.

[@olgateshlia2008]

The Leaders of European Union are the most corrupted individuals and racially motivated organization

[@kordellswoffer1520]

It’s working to improve nothing and it will improve nothing.

[@luisjesusromero246]

Checking in

[@Paretozen]

Long live the European Union!

[@maxkurtson9892]

Ode to Joy starts playing.

[@stephenbarden6121]

The complexity is deliberate; it obscures just how much the EU bureaucracy dictates to its member states, making it very difficult to hold anyone accountable. People like Roland Rudd love the EU; it's profoundly undemocratic at heart, and is a lobbyists' dream.

[@fabioshire97]

There are so many comments from ignorant people here

[@kotsunia]

yes

[@theamici]

The transitions in this video were pretty terrible. You guys need a different video editor.

[@bnkundwa]

A good name

[@onxiaftw]

Ya ya vundaba

[@bluemoon7076]

It isn’t complex at all . EU just have to follow orders from the far west . That’s total obedience and all is ok …..

[@lulassong6524]

EU under total naytoe and wall streetcontrol.

[@PleiadianDreams]

This woman should become the President of Europe, she can follow my policies.

[@Tony-pk6ql]

What a piece of bureaucratic nonsense.

[@RonaldWalker-p9u]

372 Feest Shore

[@alex29443]

And somewhere in there there are more lobbyists than in washington DC, a city notorious for its legalised corruption.

[@kulsevdasi]

wtf did I just watch

[@anicetune]

Anything EU-related is just one big headache and mixed emotions for all involved. It needs to go away. Anything that helps brings about its demise (such as Brexit) is a step in the right direction.

[@wilma_balls]

brexit went pretty awfully for the UK though

[@olgateshlia2008]

The Leaders of European Union are the most corrupted individuals and racially motivated organization.

[@AkimuBiryabarema-yd1kt]

Hay

[@acbacbacbacbacb]

the EU is an absulute mess. they should be dividing europeans regions instead of throwing everything into one parliament

[@mattberry3551]

And this is why the EU elections are seen as pointless. Even though MEPs can vote on laws, they can be overruled by non-elected officials. Indeed, the video mentioned that not every law needs all those governing bodies, so some could go through without MEPs voting on it. Although large countries such as Spain are highly populous and have large numbers of MEPs, they therefore have a larger say in where money is spent, they are one of the smaller countries in terms of financial investment. The EU worked with the original core countries. Now it has expanded and been diluted by the other nations that contribute much less, the system is now broken. And no, the EU hasn't kept the peace in Europe, that was NATO. As an example, why has the EU done absolutely nothing about Russia invading (not annexing) a certain country? I am not against the free movement of people, keep the borders open. For me Brexit is about self governance and not allowing the EU to oversee our laws - especially now they can be set by countries that have their own political agendas and those officials are not answerable to anyone.

[@BB-hx4mj]

Matt Berry You do realize that EU Commission can be voted out by the European Parliament; and those unelected officials you talk about are ministers of individual countries governments. If you don’t understand what has been said in the video just go on official EU site where everything is explained in detail how it works.

[@ten_tego_teges]

@Tomas Lesko They have to justify ruining their own country somehow, so they make stuff up.

[@ArendJanV]

The EU has given 47% of the total aid to Ukraine.

[@iri8973]

EU deported citizens who doesn't speak well their language, basically around 80 year old people who cannot learn knew language. Many countries changed their language and now kicked their citizen out off the country... It is so sweet ..so democratic

[@Homelandz]

Member states are sovereign + They can leave the union + They cede some power to the center, which is fairly week + Citizens feel mostly french, or italian or whatever instead of europeans = Looks like a textbook confederation to me. One with a lot of crazy rules.

[@olgateshlia2008]

The Leaders of European Union are the most corrupted individuals and racially motivated organization

[@hanna_GG2]

I feel European :D

[@maxkurtson9892]

I am a swede but I am very much a european as well and so glad we are working together rather than warring. I hope the EU stays strong and prosper for all of our sakes.

[@Fisj]

The matrix

[@the20thDoctor]

Came here after the recent European Elections. Uh... Good luck France. ✌️

[@JoshuaKitty-x7g]

Paucek Villages

[@dimakim-n6c]

Thompson Ronald Davis Mark Allen Jason

[@bananik6338]

EU Union need exist door until we have country like hungry (why still in EU?)we can't win to EU Union enemy 🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰🇪🇺❤️

[@MeganoOdles]

An unaccountable institution wanting it's own army, what could possibly go wrong?

[@jannoottenburghs5121]

Did you even watch the video? Just because a Farrage figure tells you about an EU army doesn't mean it is true.

[@diabeticalien3584]

Europe needs it's own armed forces to defend itself from countries like Russia and Turkey. The US has turned it's back on NATO, so we can't rely on that.

[@diabeticalien3584]

@@Wildboy789789 Exactly. A union between 27 armies would give the EU the prestige and power to have its own Foreign Influence and Policy

[@MijmerMopper]

"Unaccountable", that's a joke. Massive part of why its so covoluted is that every fart goes trough massive layers of people that need to sign off on it.

[@nunosantos485]

It is accountable to the people and the States.

[@aliosaSB]

PLEASE STOP helping Ucraine !!! We do not want the 3rd world war !!!!!

[@paulus514]

STOP VON DER LEYEN ; STOP KORUPPTION

[@DOT_Z]

Agreed

[@Gypsum179]

Stop pretending to be from the EU

[@Ilusionariat]

She is beautiful, nothing to do with the video, I know!

[@FreispruchAlles]

Sos

[@agronhajdari5462]

Y🙃ou are just making it worst!

[@fcbayern7558]

FC BAYERN

[@fcbayern7558]

Fc Bayern

[@fcbayern7558]

Fc Bayern

[@fcbayern7558]

Fc Bayern

[@fcbayern7558]

Fc Bayern

[@apefromthekitchen]

Directly elected? Is that a joke? I cant vote for a other national than my own. EU would be flooded with conservative Polish and Hungarians if every EU citizen could vote.

[@luisjesusromero246]

Tick tock

[@josephthompson1318]

EU. Recommendation to become a Federal superstate of Europe. No veto. Only 15 of the 27 states voting in favour. Rewriting of the treaties.

[@grassytramtracks]

That is not true, every country's government must agree to any new treaty at a national level

[@definitlynotbenlente7671]

Gettjng rid of veto rights would be good and set a minimum of 62% aproval rate so laws can only pass with a sifnificant majority

[@mz3344]

FREXIT

[@muskrat477]

DW is an eu mouthpiece....the eu is so complicated because it was designed that way...for people to never have a say in government again

[@maxkurtson9892]

nah

[@muskrat477]

@@maxkurtson9892 yes

[@maxkurtson9892]

@@muskrat477 nope

[@muskrat477]

@@maxkurtson9892 yep...its a convoluted mess were the people have no voice. Its hollowed out democracy

[@maxkurtson9892]

@@muskrat477 nah, could be worse.

[@Michal10]

An interesting idea of the European Union would be the creation of a Byzantine state and a Western Roman state. Both powers would be part of the EU and NATO. Maybe a federation. Byzantium would base its values on Christianity, Rome made current politics. The Czech Republic would belong to Byzantium. States from Germany and Italy to the West, under the Roman Empire.

[@objectdefiance4027]

You're 12 years old and play a lot of video games don't you?

[@Michal10]

@@objectdefiance4027 Do I seem to play video games even a little? Children play video games, not a 38-year-old man.

[@objectdefiance4027]

@@Michal10 Actually 38 year old do play lots of game. since you know they played them when they were children. But that wasn't the point I was making.

[@Michal10]

@@objectdefiance4027 It is possible, but I find it more useful sports and education. In addition, I make videos on KZbin and there would still be no time for games. I don't like violence, I would have sports games left.

[@objectdefiance4027]

@@Michal10 Alright sure. Also there are loads of games with no violence.

[@mateoborgconti9505]

Malta isn’t in the EU for nothing, put some respect on our flag 🇲🇹 we exist!! 😠

[@AntonDDimov]

You are less people than my town and we ar like fifthy thousand or something the biggest respect you can get is a finger for being there in the first place and playing yourselves like that.

[@slav7221]

Its basically after the US model and although sometimes its not perfect as anything is we are still the greatest most free nation on the earth.

[@Prasutagucaster]

Average salary of the European Commission is €260,000. Money we’ll spent on unelected bureaucrats and self justifying administrative rule makers

[@wpas509]

Did you watch the video? The ELECTED leaders of each country set the agenda. This agenda is passed to the commissioners (appointed by each country - so appointed by the ELECTED government of each country) who propose laws. They CAN'T pass the laws. The ELECTED MEPs then can debate the laws & the ELECTED ministers of each countries government have their say too. And what about the pay? Surely you want to attract a good person for the job?

[@TomboyRespector]

Cringe

[@jaroslavbolf7095]

Brussels and Belgium can no longer be the capital of the EU, due to the negative impact of the environment on EU representatives and their voting in the parliament. I propose that the capital be moved to Slovakia. The way it is now is unsustainable. Belgium should do something and save itself or let it sink without the EU. URGENT BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!

[@luisjesusromero246]

9 Oddinstink 360