What characterizes the ordinary legislative procedure in the EU?

The ordinary legislative procedure in the European Union is characterized by the joint adoption of legislation by both the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. This process reflects the EU's commitment to a democratic decision-making framework, where both elected representatives (the Parliament) and member states' governments (the Council) have a role in shaping legislation.

During this procedure, legislation is typically proposed by the European Commission, which acts as the executive body and initiates legislation based on its authority to promote the EU's interests. Following the proposal, both the Parliament and the Council examine, amend, and must ultimately agree on the text of the legislation for it to become law. This ensures that a diverse range of perspectives are considered in the legislative process, integrating both democratic accountability and the interests of member states.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately reflect the characteristics of the ordinary legislative procedure. Approval solely by the Council does not encompass the essential role of the Parliament, nor does the procedure allow for legislation that is unilaterally proposed without the Commission's input. Immediate enforcement of regulations without votes bypasses the crucial democratic processes that are integral to the EU's legislative framework.