IAPP Training · Module 1 - BoK I.C
Module 1 · EU institutions and the legislative process
The EU's institutions split into legislative, policy and judicial roles. The European Commission proposes legislation; the European Parliament (MEPs) and the Council of the EU consider it separately; the trialogue produces a compromise text; it is published in the Official Journal and becomes law. The CJEU arbitrates. Note: the European Council (heads of state) sets direction but is NOT a legislature.
- European Parliament - directly elected members (MEPs).
- European Council - heads of state or government; sets direction; NOT a legislature.
- Council of the EU - representatives from each Member State; membership changes with the matter discussed.
- European Commission - one commissioner per Member State; proposes legislation.
- CJEU - the ECJ has one judge per Member State plus 11 advocates general; the General Court has two judges per Member State.
How the GDPR became law
Commission proposes
one commissioner per Member State
Considered separately
European Parliament → LIBE CommitteeCouncil of the EU → DAPIX Committee
Trialogue
compromise text, presided over by the Commission
Published
Official Journal → becomes law
Don't confuse them
The European Council (heads of state, sets direction) is not the Council of the EU (Member State reps who legislate). Only the European Commission proposes legislation.
Key terms - quick answers
What is “European Commission”?
EU institution with one commissioner per Member State that proposes legislation.
What is “European Parliament”?
Directly elected EU body (MEPs); reviewed the GDPR via its LIBE Committee.
What is “Council of the EU”?
Body of Member State representatives whose membership changes with the topic; reviewed the GDPR via its DAPIX Committee.
What is “European Council”?
Heads of state or government; sets political direction but is NOT a legislature.