Get the picture: European Laws
430 views · Published 24 January 2013 · 1:38 · Indexed 6 November 2026
Channel: European Parliament · 2013 · News & Politics
European laws? What's that? In your country the parliament votes in laws that apply to all citizens. In reality most of these rules were made by the European Union and voted for by the European Parliament. All 27 Member States must apply them. But who makes European laws? The EU Commission, which is a bit like the government of the EU, proposes draft laws. But the Council can ask the Commission to make a proposal in the interest of Member States. And so can the European Parliament if the majority of MEPs think an EU law should be made in the interest of the citizens. Can EU laws be made on whatever subject? Almost. The European Union can make laws on telecoms, fisheries, energy, transport, agriculture... MEPs vote on laws on lots of subjects and the list is getting longer all the time. But in a number of areas the Member States retain an absolute right of veto, like justice. -Freedom. Employment or social security. -No jobs! Taxes. -Pay! Defence. -Taratata! Or education. -Learn! There's no question of an EU law there. The European Parliament's influence is limited to giving advice. Get the picture: A picture is worth a thousand words! EuroparlTV video ID: 5b05a32d-0744-4c0b-a356-a14e00c9c235
