A 5-hour course presented by Daniel Guéguen & Vicky Marissen + a copy of the updated version of ‘The New Practical Guide to the EU Labyrinth’

Possibility to attend the courses either online via Teams or in-person at our premises in Brussels.

On 24 October 2023, 09:30 – 15:30 CEST (includes an hour lunch break).

Introduction

EU decision-making processes are specific and quite

How do draft legislative acts see the light of day, how are they adopted and implemented? How do key EU Institutions function, what is the impact of Better Regulation and the COVID 19 crisis on EU governance? But most importantly how can I, as public affairs practitioner, get a practical understanding of these structures, powers and procedures to boost my influence at EU

If you are looking for a hands-on online workshop covering these topics, then enroll for ‘Guide to the EU Labyrinth’. We offer to two 2,5 hour interactive sessions, including a copy of the New Practical Guide to the EU Labyrinth (FR or EN version).

Programme

Pre-legislative phase: policy-making and upstream advocacy

• From communications over impact assessments & consultations to the drafting of legislative proposals
• Who is who in this process?

Drafting EU legislation: the monopoly of initiative of the EU Commission

• Who is who within the EU Commission
• Competences of the EU Commission
• Internal decision-making process and working ethos
• Formal and informal means of engaging with the EU Commission

Legislative phase: the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers

European Parliament:

• Competences and powers
• Key actors involved in the process
• Internal decision-making (committees (lead and opinion-giving), plenary)
• Voting in the European Parliament

Council of Ministers:

• Competences and powers
• Key actors in the process (COREPER, working parties, Permanent Representations)
• Internal decision-making
• Voting in the Council

Legislative phase: the importance of trilogues in the Ordinary Legislative Procedure

• Interaction between European Parliament and Council of Ministers: trilogues
• Role of the EU Commission in the legislative process
• 1st reading: almost 100% of EU legislation is adopted
• 2nd reading and conciliation: their relevance in the current ordinary legislative procedure?
• How to intervene in and influence the ordinary legislative procedure and the actors involved

Implementing phase of EU decision-making (comitology): an overview

• Delegated acts: the Commission in the driver seat
• Implementing acts: examination procedure and appeal committee
• Integrating comitology in advocacy on legislative proposals