The European Union
The European Union is often talked about in the press as if it were one institution (or even one person!). person The reality is that power and decision making is shared via three institutions; the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU (also known as the Council of Ministers).
European Commission
ROLE
Represents and upholds interests of EU as a whole Guardian of the Treaties enforcement of EU law Executive body of the EU
European Parliament
Represents the democratic will of Europes 502 million citizens
Council of the EU
Provides political momentum for the EUs development and sets its overall political direction Represents the national n interests of EU member states in EU decision-making making
Exclusive right of initiative Implementing EU policies and budget Represent EU internationally + negotiate international agreements
Legislative decision-making -codecision with Council in most economic policy areas (key exceptions taxation, social security) Approval & dismissal of the College of European Commissioners Scrutinizes legislation adopted by national experts (SCFCAH) Power of the purse - shares with Council authority over the EU budget
Pass European laws in many policy areas through co-decision co with European Parliament Co-ordinate ordinate the broad economic policies of the member states Conclude international agreements between EU and 3rd countries/ international organizations Approve the EUs budget in codecision with the European Parliament
POWERS
27 Commissioners one per MS, each with own portfolio (but representing that MS) New Commission appointed every five years within six months of EP elections Each Directorate General (DG) responsible for policy area and headed by a Director General
754 Members from 27 Member States Seven Europe-wide political groups (EPP, S&D) MEPs work on the legislations in 20 specialised Committees Interparliamentary delegations (EUUSA, EU-Australia and New Zealand, etc) Special committee cf. on the financial, economic and social crisis
Council at ministerial level is attended by the relevant minister from each of the respective Member State national governments 10 different Council formations (incl. ECOFIN, Employment, Competitiveness, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs, Affairs etc.) any can approve policy polic Hundreds of working parties take place underneath them, (e.g. Financial Services Attachs WP on AIFMD, on Prospectus, Financial Counsellors) Conclude international internation agreements between EU and 3rd countries/ international organizations
COMPOSITION
FLEISHMAN-HILLARD
Decision Decision-Making in the EU
Most decisions are made in the EU via the Ordinary Legislative Procedure, formerly known as Co-Decision, which is the main legislative procedure by which EU directives and regulations are adopted. The process begins when the Commission, via its right of legislative initiative, ative, makes a proposal. This triggers the co-decision process. ess. The legislation makes its way through the Council and the Parliament, Parliament with any eventual disputes between the two institutions removed by a conciliation procedure.
A Snapshot of the Process
Co-decision Council and EP EP 2nd Reading Commission Ammends Proposal
Council of Ministers
European Parliament
Common Position Council Working Groups
EP 1 Plenary Reading EP Committees
st
Council of Ministers
European Parliament
Commission Adopts Proposal
Responsible Commission DG consults other DGs
Commission DG prepares proposal
Commission consults expert groups
European Commission
FLEISHMAN-HILLARD
Glossary of Terms
Co-decision (ordinary legislative procedure): The normal mode of decision-making in most policy areas. Legislation is proposed by the Commission and then must be approved by both the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Conciliation: A third reading to solve disputes between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Directive: Legislation that is left to national governments to transpose into national law. The goals and principles are binding, though Member States have a certain degree of flexibility in implementation. Rapporteur: Authors of reports prepared by committees of the European Parliament are known as rapporteurs. People assisting or helping the rapporteur are called shadow rapporteur and may vary in number depending on the issue. Regulation: Directly applicable legislation with direct effects for all concerned.
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