The EU Decision Making Process Made Easy

Transcription

1 The EU Decision Making Process Made Easy

2 Introduction Since its birth a little over a year ago, PIIGSty.com promised to demystify all that academic speak and needless jargon to make current political, economic and legal topics in the EU accessible and easily understandable for all. After all, that s what we re here for. One area which continues to confuse is the rather complicated decision making (aka legislative) process which drives the Union forward. Lets be frank - nothing in the EU these days is straightforward and the legislative process is no exception. As a result we are proud to present this new PIIGSty publication on that very topic. With easy to identify (and adorable) original logos displayed with a simple and easy to read diagrammatic style, we have trimmed all the fat and just left the best bits. We hope you all find this and all the other bits on PIIGSty helpful. If you have any comments, queries, suggested articles or would just like to get something Europe -y off your chest, make sure to the editor of PIIGSty at editor@piigsty.com We d also like to announce that PIIGSty is growing fast and aiming to add a number of expert contributors very soon. Remember to visit for updates and fresh, new articles and pick up a copy of the PIIGSty Guide to Econ 101 for a great price. All the best The folks at PIIGSty.com Available here

3 Who presents a? The (EU Executive/Government) is the main player but a select few others can also propose something new Court of Justice (ECJ) In the area of Freedom, Security and Justice Investment Bank (EIB) Chief proposer and ultimate decider for EU law making Member States (at least 25% or 7 EU states) Central Bank (ECB)

4 5 SOURCES Influences on s The can t make a law just because its seems like a good idea. They first must listen to key bodies/lobbyists and assess potential impact of new laws before drafts are amended. The then has a firm. Requests/ Lobbying comes from 5 main sources Impact Assessments to assess economic, social and environmental impact Consultations Amendments are allowed from citizens, industry and lobbyists National s Citizens Public Consultations Presidents PM s Europe Industry/ Business/ NGOs

5 The legislative process EU decision making comes in 4 forms (the 4 C s) 1. Co-decision Codecision MOST COMMON The EU and the the of (COM) (COM) work work together together amend, to amend, accept or accept reject or s. reject s. This procedure was introduced in 1992 and improved in It was renamed in Consultation The EU is consulted by the but the and COM are the two who ultimately decide. 3. Cooperation COM can accept a but needs unanimous approval of all ministers if the EU opposes it. This form is used for economic and monetary policy i.e. Money Issues only. 4. Consent This form is used to admit new EU members and deal with the ECB. Still, the EP must approve first (but cant make any amendments). Codecision is the most common route for making new laws so this is where we ll focus. It was renamed ordinary legislative procedure in 2009 under the Lisbon Treaty. There are 3 potential outcomes of codecision Decision Disagreement Deadlock

6 Step 2 Step 1 DECISION National s All 27 EU governments are consulted. REJECTION Final decision rests with COM after EP gives advice before formally makes a submits to EP and COM APPROVAL Step 4 Step 3 EP considers COM Approves Adopted EP gives opinion to COM COM decides on EP position (COM) COM Rejects COM considers What happens if the COM rejects EP position?

7 Step 5 APPROVAL REJECTION Step 4 Step 3 DISAGREEMENT EP considers EP gives opinion to COM COM considers EP send its amended version to COM (COM) Step 4 is repeated COM decides on EP position This is called a SECOND READING Ball back in the EP court It can COM Rejects COM Approves Amend COM position Approve COM position Do Nothing Adopted But what happens when the COM rejects again?

8 REJECTION APPROVAL Step 8 Step 7 REJECTION DEADLOCK: DEATH or DELIBERATION A The EP could reject the COM decision by an absolute majority of MEPs B If the COM rejects the EP amendments (again ) a Conciliation Committee is formed. EP Rejects Rejected COM Rejects (for 2 nd time) + Conciliation Committee 27 Council Members + 27 MEPs NEW JOINT Includes COM Position + EP Amendments CC Rejects CC Approves JOINT Rejected JOINT Adopted

9 DEADLOCK DISAGREEMENT DECISION In summary Approves Rejects Approves Approves or Ignores Amended Rejects + Conciliation = Joint Committee Proposal 27 MEPS 27 Members