Appointed by member countries, and approved by the European Parliament, for a five-year term.
Each has a specific portfolio.

Based in Brussels, Belgium.

The executive and civil service of the EU, so can be described as the EU government. 
Administers EU rules and policies 

Initiates policies, laws, etc. Watchdog of the treaties - may fine those who break the rules or take them to the European Court of Justice (ECJ)

Negotiates on behalf of the EU with non-EU countries.
Be selective for your essay. Why is it criticised?
Democratic deficit?
Quote and reference arguments for and against these institutions.

Composed of the heads of Government of all 28 member states – included Prime Minister Boris Johnson. 

Meets up four times a year.

Governing institution of the EU in the Lisbon Treaty. 

Defines the general political direction and priorities of the European Union but does not pass laws.

Deals with complex or sensitive issues that cannot be resolved at lower levels of intergovernmental cooperation.
Sets the EU’s common foreign and security policy, taking into account EU strategic interests and defence implications.

Precise membership depends on subject being discussed, e.g. if the council is debating health, a health minister from each member state will attend (so it would have ben Matt Hancock for UK, before we left).

One country chairs the council for six months.

Not to be confused with The European Council (p247) or The Council of Europe (promotes human rights and democracy but is separate from EU).
Main decision-making body.

Main law-making body – shared with the European Parliament.

Decisions are made either by unanimity [veto] or qualified majority voting (QMV).

Meets in Brussels and Strasbourg (cost of two sites).

Legislative role shared with Council of Ministers (power to amend and delay). 

Holds the Commission to account - question time; approves commissioners, checks expenditure by the Commission.
Only democratic institution – power has been increasing 

Budgetary role – approves the budget and check expenditure. 

MEPs sit in political groupings, rather than countries.