Law-making process
The European Commission plays a key role in the creation, implementation, and enforcement of EU laws. This process ensures that legislation is well-planned, properly evaluated and effectively applied across all Member States.
- Planning and proposals
The European Commission proposes new laws based on political priorities, expert input, and public consultations. It follows a Better Regulation approach to ensure efficiency and impact.
- Adoption
Legislative proposals are debated and approved by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Most legislation follows the Ordinary Legislative Procedure, requiring agreement from both institutions.
- Evaluating and improving laws
Existing laws are regularly assessed to ensure relevance and effectiveness, incorporating public feedback and expert reviews.
- Tracking law-making
Stay updated on legislative developments.
Application of EU law
Member States must apply EU laws and integrate directives into national legal systems. The European Commission monitors compliance.
If a country fails to apply EU law correctly, the Commission may take legal action, potentially leading to cases at the Court of Justice of the EU. This is called the infringement procedure. Citizens can report violations, with whistleblower protections in place.
The EU also supports judicial cooperation to resolve administrative or legal matters across Member States, making it easier for people and businesses to operate across borders.
Responsibilities of the Commission and EU countries in implementing the EU law
Information about the procedure and register of infringement cases and decisions
Take action at national or EU level
Interactive maps and graphs visualising infringement activities
Resolving administrative or legal issues that involve two or more EU countries
Annual reports until 2024 reviewing key aspects of the application of EU law
Contribute to EU law-making
Citizens, businesses, and organisations can participate in EU law-making through public consultations and surveys. The European Citizens' Initiative allows EU citizens to propose new laws with one million signatures from multiple Member States.
Share your views on new EU policies and existing laws
Call on the European Commission to propose new laws
Legal information and resources
Users can explore and search for a wide range of legal documents, including:
- EU law (regulations, directives, decisions, treaties).
- National law that implements EU directives or relates to European legal matters.
- International agreements between the EU and other countries or organisations.
Citizens can also search the EU law by topic.
The Commission also provides resources to help individuals and businesses find qualified legal experts, including lawyers, legal translators or interpreters, mediators and notaries.