The Co-decision II Procedure
... common position – and sends it to EP [procedure continues – step 4] 4. EP 2nd reading (now of common position). Within 3 months either: a. approves the Council’s common position (or if EP does nothing then C’s common position gets adopted anyway) [either way proposal passes] or b. rejects common position by absolute majority of MEPs [proposal dies here] or c. EP proposes amendments to common position by absolute majority (now sent to Council and Commission for 2nd reading) [so again procedure continues – step 5] 5. Commission gives opinion on EP amendments 6. Council 2nd reading. Within 3 months either: a. approves all EP amendments by QMV (except those with negative Commission opinion – need Council unanimity to approve) [so proposal passes] or b. if all amendments not approved, a conciliation committee is convened (Council & EP) [continues to step 7] 7. The conciliation committee (on basis of Council common position with EP proposed amendments)...