6. Policymaking of the European Union

Question 1

What are the 4 principles of policymaking in the EU?

Answer 1

Competence
Conferral
Subsidiarity
Proportionality

Question 2

What is Competence

Answer 2

Competence = areas where the EU has the authority to make decisions such as competition and trade

Question 3

What is Conferral?

Answer 3

Conferral = the EU only acting where it has been given authority by member states to achieve goals spelled out in treaties

Question 4

What is Subsidiarity?

Answer 4

The principle that decision making should happen at the lowest level possible - basically the EU should only do what it does it best

Question 5

What is proportionality?

Answer 5

Proportionality = the idea that the EU should not go beyond the action needed to achieve the objectives of treaties

Question 6

What’s regulation?

Answer 6

Regulation: The most powerful kind of law that don’t need to be turned into national law and are binding on their entirety and take immediate effect on the date

Question 7

What a directive?

Answer 7

Directives: Binding in terms of goals but states decide what action they want to take to achieve these goals

Question 8

What is a decision

Answer 8

Decisions: Binding but more specific and aimed at 1 or more member states, institutions or individuals

Question 9

How are laws made in the EU?

Answer 9

1. Citizens of the EU interest groups and academics discuss
2. Commission makes a formal proposal
3. Parliament and the Council of Ministers jointly legislate/decide
   3a. If Parl. and Council of Minister’s can’t agree after 2 readings it goes to a conciliation committee
4. National and local authorities implement the policy
5. Commission and Justices oversea implement