What is the decision-making process of the EU?
The Council is an essential EU decision-maker. It negotiates and adopts new EU legislation, adapts it when necessary, and coordinates policies. In most cases, the Council decides together with the European Parliament through the ordinary legislative procedure, also known as ‘codecision’.
What is the co decision procedure?
A legislative procedure introduced by the Treaty of Maastricht giving the European Parliament and the Council equal power to legislative acts, jointly as co-legislators.
How does European Council take decisions?
Decision-making process. The European Council mostly takes its decisions by consensus. However, in certain specific cases outlined in the EU treaties, it decides by unanimity or by qualified majority. If a vote is taken, neither the European Council President nor the Commission President take part.
What are the two main decision-making procedures the EU institutions use in order to adopt legislation?
The Commission submits a legislative proposal to the Parliament and Council. At the first reading Parliament adopts its position. If the Council approves the Parliament’s wording then the act is adopted. If not, it shall adopt its own position and pass it back to Parliament with explanations.
How long does the EU legislative process take?
between 13 and 15 months
The committee’s report, amending the Commission’s proposal and the amendments proposed by other relevant parliamentary committees, are then debated and voted on a plenary session. The process usually lasts between 13 and 15 months depending on the technical or political complexity of the dossiers.
What is decided at European level?
EU law is superior to national law. This means that Ireland (along with other member states) cannot pass national laws that contradict EU laws. It also means that an EU law can over-rule an Irish law, even if that Irish law was enacted before the EU law came into effect.
How long does EU ordinary legislative procedure take?
The process by the Council lasts on average of 24 to 31 months. The European Parliament, the Council and the Commission often organise informal meetings (called trilogues) to seek the conclusion of an agreement at first reading.
How do EU institutions work together?
The European Union is based on the rule of law. This means that every action taken by the EU is founded on treaties that have been approved voluntarily and democratically by all EU countries. The treaties are negotiated and agreed by all the EU Member States and then ratified by their parliaments or by referendum.
Who takes decisions in EU?
Heads of state and government make decisions on general policies in the European Council. The Commission makes proposals for new laws. The Parliament reviews the proposals and passes decisions together with the Council of Ministers. The Council of Ministers and Parliament approve the laws together.
Which voting procedure is most commonly used by the European Council to make most of its decisions?
Qualified majority
The ‘standard’ voting method in the Council Qualified majority is the most widely used voting method in the Council. It’s used when the Council takes decisions during the ordinary legislative procedure, also known as co-decision. About 80% of all EU legislation is adopted with this procedure.
Are European Council decisions binding?
It is adopted by the EU institutions in accordance with the treaties. According to Article 288 TFEU, a decision is binding in its entirety. Decisions are legislative acts when they are adopted by: the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union (ordinary legislative procedure);
In which cases is the consent procedure currently used?
As a non-legislative procedure, it usually applies: To the ratification of certain agreements negotiated by the EU. In cases of serious breach of fundamental rights under Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). For the accession of new EU member states.