Decision making under different institutional arrangements: legislation by the European Community

The type of procedures used for decision making in the European Community (EC) have an impact on the laws produced. The European Parliament has little impact on EC law and decisions tend to result from the European Commission's decision, since the Commission sets the agenda. The European Parliament has the power of veto, but the Council can override this. The European Parliament would increase its power if its role were made similar to the role of a national parliament in the countries which are members of the European Community.