CODECISION

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CODECISION

• Everything you ever wanted to know about the
  European Parliaments codecision procedure!

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Step 1

• The European Commission has to propose a
  legislative text
• Next

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Step 2

• A standing committee will prepare a report on the
  text for the European Parliament.
• Next

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Step 3

• In the first reading, the European Parliament
  will make changes, called amendments, to the
  original proposal.
• Next

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Step 4

• If the Council of Ministers approve of the EPs
  amendments, the legislative proposal is adopted.
• BUT WHAT IF THE AMENDMENTS ARE NOT APPROVED?
• Then, on to Step 5
• Next

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Step 5

• The Council of Ministers will modify the
  amendments by adopting a common position.
• Next

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Step 6

• At second reading, the EP will deliver an
  opinion, based on recommendations by the standing
  committee.
• The EP will either approve, reject, or amend the
  councils position.
• Next

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Step 7

• The Commission will forward an amended proposal
  to the Council.
• The Council can either adopt or modify
  Parliaments amendments.
• Next

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But what if the Parliament and the Council
disagree???
Then, onto step 8
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Step 8

• The members of the Council and a delegation from
  the Parliament will form a conciliation committee
  to meet for no more than 6 weeks.
• In most cases, they reach an agreement in the
  form of a joint text.
• Next

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Step 9

• At third reading, Parliament will confirm this
  agreement.
• If there is no agreement, the proposal for a
  Community law lapses it will not be adopted.

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So, there you have it!

• The Codecision Procedure of the European
  Parliament

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