Which body adopts the laws proposed by the European Commission?

The European Parliament is responsible for adopting the laws proposed by the European Commission. It functions as a co-legislator alongside the Council of the European Union, allowing it to debate, amend, and vote on legislative proposals. This process ensures that the interests and concerns of European citizens are represented, as Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are directly elected by the populace.

Laws proposed by the European Commission undergo scrutiny and can be modified by the European Parliament before they are approved. The active involvement of the Parliament in the legislative process establishes a check on the Commission's proposals, fostering democratic engagement within the European Union's institutional framework.

The national governments, while involved in the legislative process through the Council, do not directly adopt laws from the Commission but rather contribute to discussions and decisions regarding those proposals. The Council of Europe is a separate entity focused on human rights and democracy rather than EU legislative functions. Similarly, the European Court of Justice serves as the judicial branch of the EU, interpreting laws rather than adopting them.