Originally Posted by
alexxxxx
no, the comission does hold alot of power, but it has to be approved by the parliament beforehand. the reason that only it can start the process in making laws is that if the parliament was given power to make laws, it could ignore the laws setting out what it can and cannot legislate against. The comission's main job is to carry out the laws passed. It is often asked to by the parliament or the council to draft legislation, but it will only do this abiding by the laws of the treaties, that's why they have the power. These are then passed on down to either the council of the european union, the parliament or both.
It's quite complicated.
The EU is split into these sections:
The European Council - Brings together the heads of state of each european union state. they are accountable to their nation. They guide the european union in the way that the states want to go. This is where the new 'President of the European Council' will be. The president of the comission comes to the meetings to be told which way they want the european union to go.
The Council Of Ministers - Legislative body that passes or denies new laws as drafted by the comission. One member in this house per member state. The council of ministers is usually made up with just people who are concerned with the matter in hand (for example agriculture). In some areas they don't need the permission of the parliament to pass some laws. This presidency used to be the same as the one as in the European Council, but now is split and has a rotating presidency from national governments who sets the agenda.
The European Comission - Carries out the day-to-day running. Makes sure the laws as passed are abided by. Drafts laws according to what's been agreen by the european council and what's in the treaties and european law. They have their own president who goes to the European Council and the Parliament.
The Parliament - Discusses european union matters, new bills, accepts or denies the new budgets, votes in the comission, votes on bills. This has an admistritative president also.
Over complicated, very. Too complicated, yes. Some waste, yes.