UE DECISION MECHANISM

The decision-making mechanism of the European Union, especially within the framework of the ordinary legislative procedure (codecision), involves three main institutions: the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. The Commission proposes legislation, while Parliament and Council jointly discuss, amend and approve it.

When, after the second reading, Parliament and the Council fail to reach an agreement on a legislative proposal, the Conciliation Commission (or Conciliation Committee) takes action:

Composition: The Conciliation Committee is made up of an equal number of representatives from the European Parliament and the Council, with the participation of the European Commission, which acts as mediator and facilitator of the debates.

Function: The committee's objective is to reach a common text acceptable to both institutions, reconciling the differences that arose in previous readings. The committee has a period of six weeks (extendable for a further two weeks) to negotiate and approve a common project.

Decision:

The Parliament delegation approves the text by an absolute majority of its members.

The Council decides by qualified majority (or unanimity in some cases).

Outcome:

If the committee approves a joint draft, it is forwarded to Parliament and the Council for a third reading. Each institution has six weeks to approve or reject the text.

Parliament approves by a simple majority of the votes cast; the Council, by qualified majority.

If both approve, the legislative act is adopted. If one of the institutions rejects or does not deliberate, the act is not adopted and the legislative process ends.

Role of the European Commission: Throughout the process, the Commission monitors the work of the Conciliation Committee, and may present opinions and facilitate consensus, but does not have the right to vote.

This mechanism ensures that no European-wide legislation is approved without the agreement of the two central legislative institutions, promoting balance and commitment in the European Union's decision-making process.