Modul15
Module 15 - Who makes decisions in the European Union
The three main EU institutions
Introduction
You already know that decision-making in the European Union is a gradual process. Now we will look at another important issue. When people talk about the 'European Union', it is often unclear who specifically makes decisions or proposes changes. In this module, you will find out what institutions exist in the European Union and who is responsible for what.
🏢 The European Commission
The European Commission:
- proposes new legislation,
- monitors compliance with the rules,
- prepares proposals for change.
The Commission does not approve the rules itself. It proposes them.
🗳️ European Parliament
The European Parliament:
- represents the citizens of the European Union,
- discusses proposals,
- approves or amends legislation.
Members are elected by citizens of the Member States.
🤝 Council of the European Union
The Council of the European Union:
- represents the governments of the Member States,
- approves legislation together with the Parliament.
Why is it important to know the differences?
We often hear statements such as: "The European Union has decided..." In fact, it is important to know:
- Who drafted the proposal?
- Who approved it?
- Who is responsible for it?
Critical thinking means asking: Which institution specifically?
📌 Summary
- The European Commission proposes.
- The European Parliament and the Council decide.
- The EU is not one person or one government.
- Decision-making is a joint process.
Practical exercises
✍️ Practical exercise 1: Read the text and consider the following questions.
The European Commission proposed a new measure concerning consumer protection. The proposal was then discussed by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Claims appeared on social media that 'the European Union decided on its own, without the involvement of Member States'.
Who proposed the new measures?
👀 Show solution
The European Commission proposed the new measures.
Which institutions discussed the proposal?
👀 Show solution
The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union discussed the proposal.
Is the statement accurate? "The European Union decided without the participation of Member States."
👀 Show solution
No. The Council of the European Union represents the governments of the Member States. The Member States are therefore involved in the decision-making process.
Which statement is oversimplified or inaccurate?
👀 Show solution
"The European Union decided on its own without the participation of the Member States." This statement is oversimplified and inaccurate. Decision-making takes place between several institutions and Member States are represented in the Council of the EU. The European Commission prepared the proposal. The Parliament and the Council discussed and approved it together.