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We have another stab at explaining things European in
In this issue we take a look, not at EU institutions but at the rather peculiar words that are so beloved by the Brussels bureaucrats.
Let's start with CONCILIATION
What does it mean in the EU?
The most common use of this term in the European Union relates to
the committee that meets when the Parliament and the Commission
cannot agree on the form of a new piece of legislation.
When does it sit?
When the Council of Ministers adopts a 'common position' on a new
law proposed by the Commission and the Parliament amends it. If the
Council refuses to accept the amendments then a Conciliation
Committee is formed.
Who is on it?
The members of the Council and an equal number of MEPs. If they
can agree on a common text it is laid before Council and Parliament
to see if it can gain a majority in both institutions; if it cannot
then the measure is lost.
Is that the end of the process?
There is one more get-out clause for the Council: it can insist
on confirming the Common Position with or without the amendments and
Parliament must obtain an absolute majority of its members to reject
it.
How about RAPPORTEUR?
A rapporteur is an MEP chosen from the European Parliament to sit
on various committees which the Commission or other EU bodies may set
up. He or she then reports back to Parliament and provides
information to help MEPs formulate their response.
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