What is the primary purpose of executive agencies within the EU?

The primary purpose of executive agencies within the EU is indeed to manage specific tasks related to EU programmes. These agencies play a crucial role in implementing and managing various EU policies, projects, and funding programmes. They operate in specialized areas such as education, public health, and research, ensuring that the initiatives funded by the EU are effectively carried out and managed. This focus on specific tasks allows for a more efficient and specialized approach to program implementation, enabling the EU to meet its strategic objectives in various sectors.

This contrasts with other options that describe functions not directly associated with the role of executive agencies. Making decisions on EU membership is a responsibility that lies with member states and requires consensus among the European Council, while establishing trade agreements is typically handled by the European Commission and requires negotiations involving multiple entities and levels of governance. Enforcement of EU law is primarily the responsibility of the European Commission and the Court of Justice of the European Union, which oversees compliance and legal matters across member states. Hence, the correct answer reflects the specialized function of these agencies in managing specific operational tasks.