Saturday, February 01, 2014

EU Lawmaking: How Codecision Works in the European Union (Video and Links, EU Glossary Definition)

Take a look at this EuropalTV video and links
explaining how lawmaking in the European Union works
by a process of what is called "codecision":

EU Codecision: How it Works.

The EU Glossary describes the Codecision procedure as follows:
"Codecision procedure

Following the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, the codecision procedure becomes the ordinary legislative procedure of the European Union (EU) (Article 294 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).

This procedure gives the European Parliament, representing the Union’s citizens, the power to adopt instruments jointly with the Council of the European Union. It becomes co-legislator, on an equal footing with the Council, except in the cases provided for in the Treaties where the procedures regarding consultation and approval apply. The ordinary legislative procedure also includes qualified majority voting in the Council.

Furthermore, the Treaty of Lisbon increases the areas within which the codecision procedure shall apply, therefore contributing towards strengthening the powers of the European Parliament.

The procedure comprises one, two or three readings. It has the effect of increasing contacts between the Parliament and the Council, the co-legislators, and with the European Commission."