How does the EU pass LAWS?

Summary

This video explains the European Union's legislative process, highlighting why the EU passes laws and who is involved. The EU creates legislation to ensure consistency across its member states, covering areas like trade, environmental protection, and human rights. The process involves three main institutions: the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the EU. These institutions work together through a series of steps to propose, amend, and approve laws. The process, though complex and time-consuming, ensures that laws are implemented consistently across the EU.

Takeaways

• 😀 The European Union (EU) has the power to pass laws that apply to all member states at once.
• 😀 EU legislation aims to create a level playing field for businesses and ensure similar rights and freedoms for European citizens.
• 😀 EU laws are more effective when passed at the EU level rather than at individual country levels, especially in areas like trade, environmental protection, and human rights.
• 😀 The EU legislative process involves three key institutions: the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the EU.
• 😀 The European Commission proposes new laws and policies, consisting of 27 Commissioners and one President.
• 😀 The European Parliament, composed of elected citizens from each member state, reviews, amends, and votes on laws proposed by the Commission.
• 😀 The Council of the EU, made up of national ministers, also reviews, amends, and votes on proposed legislation.
• 😀 The process of passing laws in the EU involves six main steps, starting with the Commission's proposal.
• 😀 The Commission's 'Right of Initiative' allows it to propose new laws, though other institutions, member states, and citizens can request proposals under special circumstances.
• 😀 If the European Parliament and the Council have disagreements on a proposed law, a conciliation committee works to find a compromise before final approval.
• 😀 Once both the European Parliament and the Council approve a law, it becomes binding for all EU member states and must be implemented in international law.

Q & A

Why does the European Union pass legislation?

The EU passes legislation to ensure that all its member states are held accountable to the same standards, creating a level playing field for businesses and ensuring that European citizens enjoy similar rights and freedoms.

How does EU legislation help in areas like trade, environmental protection, and human rights?

By passing laws at the EU level, these areas can be addressed more effectively and at a larger scale, benefiting all member states rather than dealing with issues on an individual country basis.

Which institutions are involved in passing EU legislation?

The three key institutions involved are the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the EU.

What is the role of the European Commission in the legislative process?

The European Commission, which is the executive branch of the EU, is responsible for proposing and implementing EU laws and policies.

How does the European Parliament contribute to the EU legislative process?

The European Parliament reviews, amends, and votes on legislation proposed by the European Commission. It can approve, amend, or reject the proposals.

What is the role of the Council of the EU in the legislative process?

The Council of the EU, made up of ministers from each member state, reviews and can amend or reject proposed laws, similar to the European Parliament.

What is the 'Right of Initiative' in the EU legislative process?

The 'Right of Initiative' refers to the exclusive right of the European Commission to propose new laws. However, other institutions, member states, and even citizens can request that the Commission draft a proposal under special circumstances.

What happens after the European Parliament's first reading of proposed legislation?

After the European Parliament's first reading, the legislation is reviewed by the Parliament’s 20 committees, who make changes and recommendations. The Parliament then votes to accept or reject the legislation. If rejected, it is sent back to the Commission with suggestions.

What occurs if there are disagreements between the European Parliament and the Council regarding a proposal?

If disagreements persist between the European Parliament and the Council, a conciliation committee is formed to find a compromise. The proposal is then sent back to both institutions for final approval.

What happens after both the European Parliament and the Council approve a proposal?

Once both institutions approve the proposal, it becomes law and is binding on all EU member states, requiring implementation in international law.