Which institution is primarily responsible for proposing new legislation in the EU?

The European Commission is primarily responsible for proposing new legislation in the European Union. This institution acts as the executive arm of the EU and has the exclusive right to initiate legislation. The Commission is composed of Commissioners, each appointed by member states, and it represents the interests of the EU as a whole, rather than individual countries.

The legislative process begins with the Commission drafting and proposing new laws, which can cover a wide range of areas including economic policies, environmental regulations, and social issues. Once a proposal is made, it must be reviewed and approved by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union before it can become law.

This direct role in legislative initiation distinguishes the Commission significantly from other institutions in the EU. While the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union participate actively in the legislative process, they do so by discussing and amending the proposals brought forth by the Commission. The Council of Europe, on the other hand, is a separate entity focused on human rights and does not legislate within the EU framework. The European Court of Justice interprets EU law but does not propose new legislation either.