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The so-called co decision procedure has become by far the standard for the legislative process within in the EU.
The co decision procedure involves one, two or three readings. Its effect has been greatly to increase the number of contacts between the European Parliament and the Council, the co-legislators, and with the Commission.
- The Commission proposes a legislative text;
- The European Parliament adopts a position on the basis of a report by its relevant standing committee; it usually suggests changes to the Commission proposal in the form of amendments. This is the first reading;
- The Council of Ministers either approves Parliament's amendments - in which case the legislative proposal is adopted - or modifies them by adopting a common position;
- On the basis of a recommendation by the relevant standing committee, the European Parliament delivers an opinion at second reading: it approves, rejects or amends the Council position by an absolute majority of its Members (314 votes);
- The Commission takes account of Parliament's amendments and forwards an amended proposal to the Council. The Council can adopt Parliament's amendments that have been accepted by the Commission by a qualified majority, or modify Parliament's amendments only by a unanimous vote.
- In the event of disagreement between Parliament and the Council, a conciliation committee made up of the members of the Council and a delegation from Parliament meets for a maximum of six weeks. The 25-member EP delegation, which reflects the composition of Parliament, is chaired by one of its Vice-Presidents. It always includes Parliament's rapporteur.
- In the vast majority of cases the two parties reach an agreement, in the form of a joint text;
- Parliament is invited to confirm this agreement at the third reading. If no agreement is reached, the proposal for a Community 'law' is deemed not to have been adopted (i.e. it lapses).
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