EU Decision-Making and Legislative Procedure

78 Questions

What is the focus of Lecture 2 in the BA European Integration: BLOCK 5 DYNAMICS OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION – INSTITUTIONS AND POLICY PROCESS?

EU Policy making and the policy cycle

What is the specific focus of Seminar 1 in the BA European Integration: BLOCK 5 DYNAMICS OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION – INSTITUTIONS AND POLICY PROCESS?

Discussion: Feedback on Poster Projects

What are the main topics covered in Lecture 1 of the BA European Integration: BLOCK 5 DYNAMICS OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION – INSTITUTIONS AND POLICY PROCESS?

EU institutional triangle, political power, and democratic control

What is the main content of Seminar 2 in the BA European Integration: BLOCK 5 DYNAMICS OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION – INSTITUTIONS AND POLICY PROCESS?

Different actors + institutional dynamics in EU policy making

Which aspect is covered in the UNA Europa presentation 2?

Different modes of policy making/policy instruments

What is the main focus of the course content in BLOCK 5 DYNAMICS OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION – INSTITUTIONS AND POLICY PROCESS?

EU Policy making in a wider context; enlargement, external policies, and other forms of regional integration

Which EU institution is responsible for ruling on actions brought against the Union, interpreting EU law, and giving preliminary rulings to national courts?

Court of Justice of the EU

What institution of the EU provides general directions and consensus-based decision-making by EU heads of state or government?

European Council

Which EU institution is composed of one minister from each EU state and acts by qualified majority vote with policy-making and coordination functions?

Council of Ministers

Which EU institution is responsible for promoting the general interest of the Union, ensuring the application of the Treaties/EU law, and executing the Union budget?

European Commission

What institution of the EU is composed of judges and advocates general, and rules on actions brought against the Union, interprets EU law, and gives preliminary rulings to national courts?

Court of Justice of the EU

Which institution in the EU is elected by EU citizens, exercises legislative and budgetary functions, and has a 5-year electoral term?

European Parliament

What is the main focus of the ordinary legislative procedure in the EU?

Proposing and deciding on common rules

Which institution in the EU represents democratically elected governments?

The European Council

What is the dual logic of representation and democratic control in the EU primarily upheld by?

The European Parliament and the Council

What led to the delegation of important executive decisions to a new structure beyond direct national control in the EU?

Historical development

Which aspect of the EU system is characterized by continuous adaptation, improvement, and reform due to a growing number of players and increased complexity?

EU policy-making processes

Which actors are involved in the ordinary legislative procedure in the EU?

European Parliament, Council, and Commission

What is the primary legislative procedure used by the European Parliament and the Council to pass laws?

Ordinary Legislative Procedure

Who can table amendments and vote in the Committee according to the text?

Other MEPs

What is the role of the rotating Council Presidency in the legislative process?

Chairs discussions, prioritizes files, and sets the agenda

Which of the following is an example of a key information source involved in the Ordinary Legislative Procedure?

EurLex

How long did the legislative procedure for the European climate law last, according to the text?

From March 2020 to July 2021

What did the Commission do to its original proposal for the European climate law in September 2020?

Reviewed and increased the CO2 reduction target

What is the role of the European Commission in the EU decision-making process?

Proposing legislation, consulting, and determining legal basis

What are the key roles in the ordinary legislative procedure of the EU?

European Parliament, European Council, and European Commission

What is the advantage of the Council's voting on amendments during the EU decision-making process?

No time limits for voting

What is the purpose of trilogues in the EU decision-making process?

To engage in negotiations between EP and Council

Which body drafts an annual work program according to legislative priorities for the EU mandate?

European Commission

What does the draft legislation from the European Commission contain?

Clear problem description, roadmap, impact assessments, cost projections, and more

What is the primary aim of the European Union's (EU) Climate Law, also known as the 'Fit for 55%' package?

To reduce EU greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030

What was the proposal put forward by the European Parliament's (EP) ENVI Committee regarding the reduction target in the Climate Law negotiation?

A more ambitious 65% reduction target

What was one of the key content changes in the final outcome of the Climate Law legislation?

Inclusion of carbon sink contributions without limitations

Who led the negotiations for the Council in the legislative process of the Climate Law?

The Portuguese Environment Minister

During the political debate on the Climate Law, what was one of the concepts that were focused on?

Net target and carbon budget

What is one of the challenges mentioned in the text after the finalization of the Climate Law?

The implementation of the legislation at the EU level

Which legislative body proposed a compromise of a 55% reduction target in the Climate Law negotiation?

The European Parliament (EP)

What is one of the means through which compromises were constructed in relation to the Climate Law, as mentioned in the text?

Playing with language

Which institution in the EU is responsible for interpreting EU law, ruling on actions brought against the Union, and giving preliminary rulings to national courts?

Court of Justice of the European Union

What is the primary aim of the European Union's (EU) Climate Law, also known as the 'Fit for 55%' package?

To achieve a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030

What institution of the EU is composed of one minister from each EU state and acts by qualified majority vote with policy-making and coordination functions?

Council of the European Union

Which legislative body proposed a compromise of a 55% reduction target in the Climate Law negotiation?

European Parliament

What was one of the key content changes in the final outcome of the Climate Law legislation?

Inclusion of a 55% emissions reduction target by 2030

What was the proposal put forward by the European Parliament's (EP) ENVI Committee regarding the reduction target in the Climate Law negotiation?

50% reduction target by 2030

Which EU institution relies on Member States for much of its executive powers?

European Commission

What is the primary focus of the ordinary legislative procedure in the EU?

Commission proposing and Parliament/Council deciding together

Which EU body provides general orientation but is not subject to parliamentary control?

European Council

Which of the following best describes the EU as a legal system?

A system based on treaties and produces legislation through regulations, directives, decisions, and non-legislative guidelines

What led to the delegation of important executive decisions to a new structure beyond direct national control in the EU?

Historical development

What is the specific focus of the European Council's role in the EU?

Provides general directions and consensus-based decision-making

Which institution in the EU represents citizens and exercises legislative and budgetary functions?

European Parliament

Which institution in the EU is responsible for ensuring the application of the Treaties/EU law and executing the Union budget?

European Commission

What is the primary aim of the European Union's (EU) Climate Law, also known as the 'Fit for 55%' package?

55% reduction in emissions by 2030

What is the main focus of the Court of Justice of the EU?

Ruling on actions brought against the Union and interpreting EU law

Which institution in the EU is elected by EU citizens and exercises legislative and budgetary functions?

European Parliament

What is the purpose of trilogues in the EU decision-making process?

To negotiate agreements between the European Parliament, Council, and Commission

In the European Union's legislative process, which body decides on the appropriate Council formation and convenes working parties?

The Council Council Presidency

What are the key roles of the Council Working Parties/Committees in the European legislative process?

To prepare proposals for response to the Commission/EP

Which of the following is one of the key information sources involved in the Ordinary Legislative Procedure in the European Union?

EurLex

How long did the legislative procedure for the European climate law last, according to the text?

3 years

What is the primary aim of the European Union's (EU) Climate Law, also known as the 'Fit for 55%' package?

Achieving climate neutrality by 2050

Which institution of the EU represents democratically elected governments and exercises legislative and budgetary functions with a 5-year electoral term?

The Council of the European Union

What is the formal process followed by the European Commission in the EU decision-making process?

Consultation, determination of legal basis, proposal, co-decision, communication, implementation, evaluation, review

What is the role of the European Parliament (EP) in the EU decision-making process?

Increasing use of informal agreement at First Reading

What are the procedures involved in the EU decision-making process?

Co-decision, joint decision-making, consultation, conciliation committee

What does the draft legislation from the European Commission contain in the EU decision-making process?

Clear problem description, roadmap, impact assessments, cost projections

Which body drafts an annual work program according to legislative priorities for the EU mandate in the EU decision-making process?

European Commission's responsible Directorate General

What is the primary aim of trilogues in the EU decision-making process?

Negotiations between EP and Council

What was one of the key changes in the final outcome of the European Union's Climate Law?

Introduction of a new intermediate target in 2040

During the political debate on the Climate Law, what was a focal point of discussion?

Role and scope of the Emissions Trading System

Who led the negotiations for the European Parliament (EP) in the legislative process of the Climate Law?

ENVI Committee

What is the primary challenge after the finalization of the Climate Law, as mentioned in the text?

Implementation of the legislation at the EU level

What was one of the concepts focused on during the political debate on the Climate Law?

Net target and carbon budget

What institution in the EU is responsible for promoting the general interest of the Union, ensuring the application of the Treaties/EU law, and executing the Union budget?

European Commission

What is one of the key aspects characterizing the EU system, as mentioned in the text?

Continuous adaptation, improvement, and reform

What was a specific focus of Seminar 1 in the BA European Integration: BLOCK 5 DYNAMICS OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION – INSTITUTIONS AND POLICY PROCESS?

EU climate change legislation

What aspect is covered in the UNA Europa presentation 2?

'Impact of EU climate policies'

'Price' of efficiency and complexity mentioned in the text refers to:

'Trade-offs between legislative speed and thoroughness'

Study Notes

The text discusses the European Union's (EU) Climate Law, also known as the "Fit for 55%" package, aimed at reducing EU greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
The legislative process involved political considerations, institutional references, scope and objective, trajectory to reach objectives, adaptation to climate change, monitoring, public participation, delegation of powers, amendments to existing regulations, and a legislative financial statement.
The political debate focused on intermediate targets (2030 and 2040), concepts of net target and carbon budget, scope of legislation, negative emissions after 2050, sectors to be covered, role and scope of the Emissions Trading System, and social, economic, and environmental impact of CO2 reduction.
The European Parliament (EP) and the Council negotiated on the draft law, with the EP's ENVI Committee proposing a more ambitious 65% reduction target, and the final agreement being a compromise of a 55% target.
The legislative process involved numerous trilogue meetings, debates, and amendments, with the Portuguese Environment Minister leading for the Council.
The final outcome of the legislation included more extensive political considerations and key content changes such as a new intermediate target in 2040, inclusion of carbon sink contributions with limitations, the concept of greenhouse gas budget, and agreement to set up a European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change.
The final legislation received support from the majority of actors despite the complex procedure, change of proposal during the process, and restrictions due to the pandemic.
The key challenge now is the implementation of the legislation at the EU level and the commitment of Member States to the ambitious targets.
The text showcases the EU system's ability to construct compromises through various means, such as splitting the difference on percentages, playing with language, bringing in new ideas and concepts, and package deals, while also addressing the 'price' of efficiency and complexity.
EU decision-making process: ordinary legislative procedure
Steps in the process:
- Identifying a 'problem' to be tackled at EU level
- Determining if legislation is the right tool
- Role of the European Commission (initiative)
- Formal procedure:
  - Commission proposes with consultation, determines legal basis, puts forward proposal, co-decide (EP and Council)
  - Legislation is communicated, implemented, evaluated, and possibly reviewed
Ordinary legislative procedure, formerly known as 'co-decision procedure'
Key roles: European Commission, European Parliament, Council
Formal process:
- Commission consults, determines legal basis, proposes, co-decide, communication, implementation, evaluation, review
EP's role:
- Increasing use of informal agreement at First Reading
- Trilogues (negotiations between EP and Council)
- EP makes preliminary 1st reading position, Council adopts a 'general approach', Commission tries to anticipate positions/conflicts
- Council votes on amendments, 'advantage': no time limits, but less formal and less transparent
EP's process: Commission makes proposal, assigned to committee, rapporteur appointed, committee prepares draft report, lobbying
Procedures: co-decision, joint decision-making, consultation, conciliation committee (equal No of MS representatives + MEPs + COM)
European Commission works according to legislative priorities for full mandate and each year, drafts annual work program, responsible Directorate General prepares new proposals, formal consultation, follows 'better regulation' rules and inter-institutional agreement on Better Law Making, draft legislation contains clear problem description, roadmap, impact assessments, cost projections, subsidiarity/proportionality, draft legislation, internal consultation, made public, officially tabled, and sent to co-legislators.
The text discusses the European Union's (EU) Climate Law, also known as the "Fit for 55%" package, aimed at reducing EU greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
The legislative process involved political considerations, institutional references, scope and objective, trajectory to reach objectives, adaptation to climate change, monitoring, public participation, delegation of powers, amendments to existing regulations, and a legislative financial statement.
The political debate focused on intermediate targets (2030 and 2040), concepts of net target and carbon budget, scope of legislation, negative emissions after 2050, sectors to be covered, role and scope of the Emissions Trading System, and social, economic, and environmental impact of CO2 reduction.
The European Parliament (EP) and the Council negotiated on the draft law, with the EP's ENVI Committee proposing a more ambitious 65% reduction target, and the final agreement being a compromise of a 55% target.
The legislative process involved numerous trilogue meetings, debates, and amendments, with the Portuguese Environment Minister leading for the Council.
The final outcome of the legislation included more extensive political considerations and key content changes such as a new intermediate target in 2040, inclusion of carbon sink contributions with limitations, the concept of greenhouse gas budget, and agreement to set up a European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change.
The final legislation received support from the majority of actors despite the complex procedure, change of proposal during the process, and restrictions due to the pandemic.
The key challenge now is the implementation of the legislation at the EU level and the commitment of Member States to the ambitious targets.
The text showcases the EU system's ability to construct compromises through various means, such as splitting the difference on percentages, playing with language, bringing in new ideas and concepts, and package deals, while also addressing the 'price' of efficiency and complexity.

Learn about the steps involved in the ordinary legislative procedure of the European Union, from identifying a problem to the proposal and adoption of legislation. Understand the key factors that influence decision-making at the EU level.

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