Europe, though not a single country, has undergone a significant process of integration since the end of World War II. This process has led to the formation of two key supranational organizations: the Council of Europe and the European Union. While these organizations share a common flag, their roles and responsibilities are distinctly different. This article aims to clarify the governance structure of Europe, particularly focusing on the roles of the Council of Europe and the European Union, including their leadership positions.

The Council of Europe

The Council of Europe, established in 1949, is an international organization dedicated to upholding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Europe. Its most significant document is the European Convention on Human Rights, which is interpreted by the European Court of Human Rights located in Strasbourg, France.

Nearly all countries with a territory in Europe are members of this organization, with the notable exceptions of Belarus, Russia, Romania, Kazakhstan, and countries with limited recognition such as Kosovo. The Council of Europe does not have a president, but it has a Secretary General who is elected by the Parliamentary Assembly, another body within the organization. The current Secretary General is Marija Pejinovi? Buri?, a Croatian politician. She is responsible for the management of the Council for a five-year term.

The European Union

The European Union is a supranational political and economic union comprising 27 European nations. It operates on a complex structure, with seven main institutions. Among these, three are politically more significant: the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the European Council. Each of these institutions has a president who plays a crucial role in governance.

The President of the European Commission

The President of the European Commission is Ursula von der Leyen, a German politician. The European Commission acts as the executive arm of the EU, proposing and implementing the EU's laws and policies. Among its key responsibilities are ensuring that the EU's rules are applied correctly and defending the EU's interests on the world stage.

The President of the European Council

The President of the European Council is currently Charles Michel, a Belgian politician. The European Council is the body that steers the political direction of the European Union. The President is responsible for ensuring that the decisions made by the European Council are effectively implemented throughout all EU member states. Michel's role involves developing and implementing the overall political direction and priorities of the EU.

The President of the European Parliament

The President of the European Parliament is a Maltese politician named Roberta Metsola. The European Parliament is the directly elected legislative body of the EU, representing the citizens of member states. As the President, Metsola chairs the plenary sessions of the Parliament and ensures the democratic integrity of the institution. She also leads the European Parliament's mission to promote transparency and accountability in EU decision-making processes.

Key People in the European Union

Other key figures in the European Union structure include the President of the European Central Bank, currently Christine Lagarde, a French politician. She is responsible for maintaining price stability and ensuring the execution of monetary policy. Additionally, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, is a Spaniard who leads the implementation of the EU's external action and promotes the Union's interests abroad.

Understanding the governance structure of Europe is crucial for anyone interested in the political and economic landscape of one of the world's most integrated regions. While the Council of Europe focuses on human rights and the rule of law, the European Union encompasses a broader scope of issues, including economic, political, and security matters.