How is European Union policy made?
EU rules and regulations can sometimes seem distant and vague, but they actually have a profound impact on our lives in Europe. So what is EU policy, and how is it made? And most importantly, how can you influence policymaking on the issues that matter to you? We created this page to give you answers to these questions.
Who makes policy?
Policy is made by three decision-making institutions of the European Union.
What can the EU make policy about?
The policy areas of the EU are defined in Treaties, which are legally binding international agreements that are signed by all Member States. EU policy must be made according to the principles of Proportionality and Subsidiarity.
Proportionality
The content and scope of EU action may not go beyond what is necessary to achieve the objectives of the treaties.
Subsidiarity
In the area of its non-exclusive competences, the EU may act only if the objective cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States, but could be better achieved at EU level.
The Treaties set out different levels of control that the EU can have over policy areas, which are called Competences. There are three main types of competences:
1 Exclusive competences
2 Shared competences
3 Supporting competences
Different types of EU policy
There are several different types of policy that the EU makes, and it’s useful to understand the difference between Strategy and Legislation. Strategy sets out the vision for what needs to be achieved and how. Legislation enshrines in law the commitments necessary to carry out the strategy.
Here are a few examples:
How is policy made?
The process for making EU policy is called the Ordinary Legislative Procedure.
How is policy implemented?
After a piece of legislation becomes law, the Member States take to the stage. Regulations and Decisions automatically become binding on the date of their application, but Directives are different, as Member States must incorporate them into their national legislation.
This implementation stage provides ample opportunity for anyone in the EU to influence legislation. Here is an example from Austria showing what that could look like.
What’s the Green New Deal?
The European Green Deal was launched in 2019 by president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, in response to citizens’ urgent call for climate action. The European Green Deal sets out a plan to make Europe’s economy, energy, transport, and industries more sustainable.
The target is set for Europe to become the first climate neutral continent by 2050, and enshrined in the 2021 Climate Law and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act. A budget of nearly €20 billion has been allocated to ensure that the transition to a climate-neutral economy happens in a fair way, leaving no one behind. The European Green Deal sets out commitments in a wide range of policy areas including energy, circular economy, agriculture, industry, transport, and biodiversity. For example, the reduction of transport emissions by 90% by 2050; and ensuring 25% of agricultural land is organic by 2030.
While the language used in this deal is full of promise and attempts to paint a picture of a bright future, Friends of the Earth Europe and many others have criticised it as too little too late. If we are to undo climate damage and support people and communities living with its impacts, we need more ambitious commitments.
But a new deregulation campaign that is sweeping the EU threatens to weaken the commitments in the European Green Deal. The Omnibus One package launched in early 2025 puts many existing social and environmental rights and protections at risk in the interests of ‘creating a more favourable business environment.
Who influences EU policymaking?
How can you make your voice heard?
You could start by learning more about our Working Groups here or by reading the stories of some of our members:
Wrestling with the system for a liveable future: Read Tobias’ story. [link to come]
Oh wait… am I even a climate activist?: Read Abigail’s story. [link to come]
Useful resources
EU Advocacy Toolbox
Advocacy Handbook
Youth e-learning platform
Toolkit for participatory youth policy-making
This website was produced by Friends of the Earth Europe with the financial support of the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Council of Europe.
