Only EU can legislate
In certain areas, the EU alone is able to pass laws. The role of member countries is limited to applying the law
- customs union
- competition rules for the single market
- monetary policy for the eurozone countries
- trade and international agreements (under certain circumstances)
- marine plants and animals regulated by the common fisheries policy
Member countries legislate, EU helps
The EU can only support, coordinate or complement the action of member countries. It has no power to pass laws.
- public health
- industry
- culture & tourism
- education and training, youth and sport
- civil protection
- administrative cooperation
EU or national governments can legislate
- single market
- employment and social affairs
- economic, social and territorial cohesion
- agriculture
- fisheries
- environment
- consumer protection
- transport
- trans-European networks
- energy
- justice and fundamental rights
- migration and home affairs
- public health (for the aspects defined in Article 168 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union)
- research and space
- development cooperation and humanitarian aid