How are new laws made in the EU?

New laws in the EU are primarily made through proposals drafted by the European Commission. The European Commission acts as the executive arm of the EU and is responsible for initiating legislation by proposing new laws and policies. This process typically begins with consultations and assessments of needs and issues that require legislative action.

Once a proposal is drafted, it is submitted to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, where it goes through a series of discussions, amendments, and votes. This legislative procedure ensures that the contributions from various member states and representatives are included in the final laws.

Although citizens do not vote directly on EU laws and decisions made by individual member states have no bearing on EU law-making, the structured involvement of the European Commission as the initiator of law is a fundamental aspect of the legislative process within the EU.