How are decisions made in the European Union? Who does what exactly in the Council, the Commission and the European Parliament? Admittedly, it all seems quite complicated at first sight, but watching this video will make it crystal clear.
Created by the Europe Direct network, which provides general information on the European Union, the video clearly explains how the European Union functions when it comes to deciding on new regulations or directives.
In a nutshell, the Council of the European Union sets out the general principles and policy priorities at summits. On the basis of these priorities, the European Commission draws up legislative proposals. The text proposed is subsequently debated, amended and voted on jointly by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. This process may require the proposal to be sent back and forth between both institutions several times, or even the intervention of a conciliation committee if no agreement can be reached. Once the text has been adopted, it is sent back to the European Commission, which oversees its implementation by the Members States. The Court of Justice of the EU and the European Court of Auditors are the supervisory bodies.
So you see, the decision-making process in the European Union isn’t that complicated after all.
