How does a law get made in the European Union?
Most EU legislation passes through the Ordinary Legislative Procedure (formerly co-decision), which requires agreement between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU — giving both elected MEPs and member state governments a formal veto over EU law.
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- Scenario explainer
- Last Updated
- April 15, 2026
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Scenario pages are procedural explainers linked back to relevant institutions, offices, and countries.
They are meant to explain formal political processes, not speculate on current events.
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Step-by-Step Process
This explainer walks through the 4 steps involved in this process, from start to finish.
Step 1
The Commission proposes legislation
Only the European Commission has the right to formally propose legislation. MEPs and member states can request proposals, but the Commission controls the legislative agenda. The Commission drafts the text based on treaty obligations, policy priorities, and extensive stakeholder consultation.
Step 2
Parliament and Council each read the proposal
The proposal goes to both the European Parliament and the Council of the EU simultaneously. The Parliament debates and amends the text in committee and then in plenary. The Council — composed of relevant ministers from all 27 member states — develops its own position. In the first reading, each institution adopts its position. If they agree, the act is adopted immediately.