Simple majority

The simple majority as regards the Council is reached when the majority of its component members vote in favour (currently representing 15 out of 28 EU countries).

Under the ordinary legislative procedure, the European Parliament’s vote on the first reading is decided by simple majority. However, at second reading, the Parliament can reject or amend the Council’s position at first reading by an absolute majority of its members (376 out of 751 votes).

In the Council, most decisions on legislative acts are taken by qualified majority (55% of EU countries, representing at least 65% of the EU’s population), the remainder being decided by unanimity (where each EU country has to agree or abstain from voting). A simple majority is only used in the Council when voting on its internal procedural matters or when requesting the European Commission to carry out studies or to submit proposals.

As a general rule, Commission decisions are adopted by consensus established by its president. Votes can be organised during Commission meetings if any members so request. In such cases, decisions are adopted if a simple majority of the number of Members vote in favour.