European Union

According to the treaties of the European Union, there are currently five European Union institutions:

• European Parliament represents the people of Europe. It has legislative, budgetary and supervisory powers and plays an important political role as human rights defender in the EU and in relation to third countries.
• Council of the European Union represents governments, through rotating presidency of the EU and regular meetings of the head of states or ministries. The Council is the main decision-making body of the European Union.
• European Commission ensures the respect of the EU treaties, initiates legislation, ensures its implementation and represents the EU on the international stage.
• European Court of Justice is the jurisdiction responsible for ensuring compliance with community law.
• Court of Auditors carries out the audit of EU finances.

The European Parliament and the European Commission have been active on the issue of FGM. However there is a need for better coordination of all bodies.

The END FGM European campaign calls on the Parliament, the Council and the Commission to ensure that the European Union delivers a definite strategy to deal with FGM.