What is ordinary legislative procedure EU?

The ordinary legislative procedure is the standard procedure for all decision-making in the European Union, unless the treaties state otherwise. The reason for this is that the European institutions hold extensive deliberations before the Commission formally submits a proposal.

What is meant by the ordinary legislative procedure?

The main characteristic of the ordinary legislative procedure is the adoption of legislation jointly and on an equal footing by Parliament and the Council. Neither the Parliament nor the Council is subject to any time limit by which it must conclude its first reading.

What are the stages of the ordinary legislative procedure?

Ordinary legislative procedure

• Step 1: Commission proposal.
• Step 2: first reading in Parliament.
• Step 3: first reading in Council.
• Step 4: second reading in Parliament.
• Step 5: second reading in Council.
• Step 6: Conciliation.
• Step 7: third reading in the European Parliament and Council.
• Possible Results.

How are policies made in the EU and what is the ordinary legislative procedure?

The European Commission submits a proposal to the Council and the European Parliament. The Council and the Parliament adopt a legislative proposal either at the first reading or at the second reading. If the two institutions do not reach an agreement after the second reading a conciliation committee is convened.

How long does the ordinary legislative procedure take?

The ordinary legislative procedure is often a complicated and time-consuming process – lasting around two years from the time a proposal is issued to when it is agreed.

Is the ordinary legislative procedure democratic?

This enhanced power of the Parliament is often deemed as the most democratic element of the decision-making process in the EU, as it is seen to increase citizens’ control over the EU’s policy processes. Click here to see the policy areas covered by the ordinary legislative procedure.

How does the European Commission formulate legislative proposals?

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.

Can EU Parliament reject legislation?

The Parliament may reject the Council’s text, leading to a failure of the law, or modify it and pass it back to the Council. The Commission gives its opinion once more. Where the Commission has rejected amendments in its opinion, the Council must act unanimously rather than by majority.

Who can propose EU legislation?

The European Commission is responsible for planning, preparing and proposing new European legislation. This is called the ‘right of initiative’. EU laws defend the interests of the Union and its citizens as a whole.

Are EU Parliament resolutions binding?

The non-binding legal instruments The three other main forms of actions that shape the EU legal order without having legally binding effect are Resolutions, Declarations and Action programmes.

Can the EU Parliament amend legislation?

Unlike the Council, the EP is afforded no powers to amend legislative proposals under the consent procedure. Instead, Parliament is simply granted a right to veto the proposal[18].