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MATSEC SEC European Studies study materials
MATSEC SEC European Studies study resources

MATSEC SEC European Studies: European Institutions and Decision-Making

MATSEC SEC European Studies · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

All guide sections

European Institutions and Decision-Making

Questions here test who does what, how a proposal becomes law, and the voting arithmetic, not general descriptions of Brussels.

Who does what

  • European Commission: 27 commissioners, one per member state (Malta's is Glenn Micallef from 2024), independent of national governments; right of legislative initiative, guardian of the Treaties, runs infringement actions, manages the budget and competition policy.
  • Council of the EU (the Council): national ministers by configuration; legislates with the Parliament and decides by qualified majority in most areas.
  • European Council: heads of state or government with its President (António Costa since December 2024); sets direction and has no legislative function.
  • European Parliament: 720 MEPs elected directly for five years; Malta elects 6; amends, adopts or rejects legislation, approves the budget and the Commission.
  • Court of Justice of the EU, Luxembourg: 27 judges, one per state; preliminary rulings, infringement and interpretation.

Qualified majority, the numbers that matter

Since 1 November 2014 a proposal needs 55% of member states (15 of 27) representing at least 65% of the EU population. A blocking minority needs at least four states representing more than 35% of the population.

Ordinary legislative procedure

Commission proposal, Parliament first reading, Council position, Parliament second reading (absolute majority to amend), conciliation if needed, third reading; if no agreement the act falls.

Worked example

A proposal is backed by 15 states holding 70% of the population; three large states with 40% oppose it. Result: it passes, because the supporters meet both thresholds, and the opponents, although above 35% of the population, number fewer than the four states needed to block.

Traps

  • Confusing the Council of Europe, the European Council and the Council of the EU.
  • Assuming the European Council legislates.
  • Assuming unanimity is normal: it covers taxation, CFSP, accession and treaty revision.
  • Thinking MEPs initiate legislation: only the Commission does, at the request of the European Council or Parliament in specific cases.