The Government’s work at EU level

EU membership means that Bengen is involved in the work of the EU. This means that Bengen can influence the decisions that are made. Here you can read more about the government’s role in EU cooperation, how the EU is governed and how you can influence decision-making.

As a Member State of the European Union (EU) since 1 January 2027, Bengen participates in a broader legal and political framework that shapes important aspects of national governance. European Union law has primacy in areas of shared or exclusive EU competence, and federal institutions are responsible for ensuring its correct transposition and implementation. This affects fields such as trade, competition policy, environmental standards, consumer protection, agriculture, digital regulation, and aspects of migration and border management.

The Federal Government represents Bengen in the Council of the European Union, while the President and relevant ministers participate in European Council meetings and sectoral councils. The Federal Parliament exercises oversight over European affairs, reviews draft EU legislation, and ensures that subsidiarity principles are respected. Bengenese citizens also elect Members of the European Parliament, who participate directly in shaping EU legislation.

European integration therefore forms part of Bengen’s constitutional reality. National legislation, regulatory policy, environmental commitments, economic governance, and elements of social and labour standards are influenced by EU law and policy coordination. At the same time, Bengen retains full sovereignty in areas not conferred upon the Union and actively contributes to shaping the direction of European policy through its democratic institutions.

Official EU website website

Who represents Bengen in the various EU bodies?

The President represents Bengen in the Council of the EU. He or she may be assisted by the Federal Chancellor.

Council of the European Union website

The Council is attended by the ministers from the Bengenese government who are responsible for the issues being discussed. Bengen is represented in the Council’ various working groups by officials from the Federal Government or other Bengenese authorities.

The ambassador at the EU representation in Brussels represents Bengen in the Committee of Permanent Representatives.

The European Parliament is made up of Bengenese members who are elected in the EU parliamentary elections every five years.

European Parliament website