The Votes You Need in One Simple Table

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I take a minimalist approach to lobbying and campaigning.

There is only one thing that really matters. It is getting enough votes to get your position adopted into law.

I don’t mind if the people voting for the client’s position are backing that position because they agree with the client for the same reason, or another linked reason, or something not linked. It really does not matter, just as long you get enough people voting one direction at a given moment in time.

If you’d prefer only true believers  to vote for your issue, cause, faith to back you, I’d recommend a move to a vocation of religious conversion and the laying on of hands.

Over the years, I’ve seen more politicians giving their support, and votes won, because they liked/disliked someone.

So, here is a short table of many of the key votes you’ll need for ordinary and secondary legislation.

Step
Votes Needed
Source
Adoption by College
Consensus/14 out of 27
Roll Call Vote
Group or 38 MEPs
RoP 190, 168(a), link
1st reading Vote in Committee
Simple Majority
RoP 187 (3)
1st reading Vote in Plenary
Simple Majority
Handbook
2nd reading : Vote in Committee
Simple Majority
Handbook
2nd: Vote in Plenary: Amend Council position or reject
Absolute 353 votes
Handbook
2nd Reading : Plenary : Approve Council Position at 1st reading
Simple Majority
Handbook
1st Reading Council
QMV
Handbook
1st Reading Council if Commission oppose
Unaminity
Handbook
2nd Reading  Council
QMV
Handbook
Delegated act – scrutiny – Council
Super QMV – 20 MS
Delegated act – Scrutiny EP
Absolute Majorty – 353
RPS Regulatory Committee
QMV in favour
RPS Scrutiny – EP – Committee
Simple Majority
RPS Scrutiny – EP – Plenary
Absolute Majority – 353
Council Decision 1999/468/EC, Rule 112
RPS Scrutiny – Council
QMV
Council Decision 1999/468/EC
Implementing Act – Advisory
Simple Majority
Reg.1812,2001, Art.4
Implementing Act – Examination Committee
QMV
Implementing Act – Appeal Committee
QMV
Art.6(1)
Implementing Act – Scrutiny – EP
Simple Majority
Rule 112
Some Definitions
Council
QMV needs:
  1. 55% of Member States (at least 15 out of 27), and
  2. 65% of the population
A blocking Minority needs:
  1. 45% of Member States
  2. 35% of population
Simple Majority: At least 14 Member States
Super-qualified majoritity/ reinforced qualified majority:
  • at least 72% of member states vote in favour – in practice this means at least 20 out of 27
  • member states supporting the proposal represent at least 65% of the EU population
Unanimity. NB abstentions allowed.
EP
Absolute majority in Plenary: 353  votes
Simple Majority: Majority of members casting their vote
Sources
Council Decision of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (1999/468/EC), Art.5(a)
Handbook on the Ordinary Legislative procedure, European Parliament, September 2020
Council of the European Union, Council’s Rules of Procedure, 2009/937/EU

 

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