How does the EU make decisions?
Imagine a class of 27 pupils who must agree on the playground rules. Someone has to propose, and others have to discuss and vote. The EU works a bit like that.
1. The Commission proposes
The European Commission writes proposals for rules (laws). It has one member per country.
Source : europarl.europa.eu2. Parliament votes
The European Parliament represents the people. Its 720 members are elected every 5 years by the citizens of the 27 countries.
Source : europarl.europa.eu3. The countries vote too
The Council of the EU brings together a minister from each country. For a law to pass, Parliament and the Council must both agree.
Source : europarl.europa.eu4. The judge checks
The Court of Justice of the EU checks that everyone follows the rules.
Little quiz
Question 1 of 3
Who proposes EU laws?
The European Commission proposes.
Question 2 of 3
Who elects the members of the European Parliament?
Citizens vote every 5 years.
Question 3 of 3
For a law to pass, who must agree?
Both must vote for the same text.