How does the European Union adopt a law?

When a new European rule is announced, it is not immediately applicable law. Under the ordinary legislative procedure, the European Commission generally makes a proposal. The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union must then agree on the same text. Here is how to follow the process from announcement to formal adoption.

1. The Commission prepares and proposes

The Commission prepares most legislative proposals. It may first consult citizens, businesses and relevant organisations, then assess the potential effects of a measure. Parliament, the Council or a European citizens’ initiative can also invite it to act in areas covered by the treaties. A proposal starts the debate; it does not mean the rule has been adopted.

2. Parliament and Council examine the text

Under the ordinary legislative procedure, Parliament represents EU citizens and the Council brings together representatives of member-state governments. They act as equal co-legislators. In Parliament, a committee examines the file and appoints a rapporteur; both institutions can propose amendments. Negotiations among Parliament, Council and Commission, often called trilogues, may seek a compromise.

3. An agreement still needs formal adoption

If Parliament and Council approve identical text, the act can be adopted. The procedure may include a first and second reading and, if disagreement persists, conciliation. An agreement announced during negotiations is therefore not the end of the process. Check the votes and formal adoption, followed by publication and the date on which the act applies.

What to check in an EU news story

• The stage: Commission proposal, institutional position, provisional agreement or adopted act?
• The institutions: have Parliament and Council both approved the same text?
• The type of act: a regulation and a directive are applied differently.
• The date: a political announcement, entry into force and practical application can happen at different times.

Some matters follow special legislative procedures. This guide describes the ordinary procedure, used for most EU legislative acts. Consult the official text for the details of any particular file.

Institutional sources

• European Parliament: overview of the ordinary legislative procedure
• Council of the European Union: the Council’s role in decision-making
• European Commission: planning and proposing legislation
• European Commission: adopting EU law

TESJ explainer. Sources consulted on 27 September 2026. AI-generated illustration; it does not depict a real session.