A Points - Agenda items adopted by the Council of the European Union without discussion, as they have been pre-agreed at lower levels.
Antici - A system named after an Italian diplomat, the Antici Group prepares high-level discussions in the European Council ensuring smooth decision-making at the heads of state and heads of government level.
APA (Accredited Parliamentary Assistant) - A staff member supporting an MEP in research, administration, and legislative work.
B Points - Agenda items on the Council's agenda that require discussion and are not pre-approved.
CATS (Article 36 Committee) - A committee that coordinates police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters within the EU.
Council Configurations - The Council of the EU meets in different configurations, depending on the policy area, such as the Environment Council or Transport Council.
Council Working Parties - The technical backbone of the Council, these groups consist of national experts who refine legislative proposals before they reach ambassadors or ministers.
CSDP (Common Security and Defence Policy) - The EU's policy framework for defence and crisis management, enabling joint military and civilian operations.
Delegated Act - A legal act allowing the European Commission to amend or supplement non-essential elements of legislation, subject to potential objections by the European Parliament or Council.
ECOFIN (Economic and Financial Affairs Council) - A configuration of the Council of the European Union where economics and finance ministers from all member states discuss economic policy, fiscal matters, and regulation of financial services.
EPC (Economic Policy Committee) - A committee that provides economic analyses and opinions to the Council and the European Commission, particularly concerning economic growth and structural reforms.
European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group - A centre-right to right-wing group that includes conservative and Eurosceptic parties. The ECR advocates for reforming the EU, respecting national sovereignty, and promoting free enterprise.
European People's Party (EPP) - A centre-right political group representing Christian democratic parties across EU member states. The EPP advocates for policies promoting European integration, economic growth, and social market economy principles.
FAC (Foreign Affairs Council) - A formation of the Council of the European Union where foreign ministers discuss the EU's external action, including foreign policy, defence, trade, and development cooperation.
GAERC (General Affairs and External Relations Council) - A former configuration of the Council that was split into the General Affairs Council (GAC) and the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) to better focus on their respective areas.
Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA) - A political group combining green parties and regionalist parties. The Greens/EFA prioritises environmental issues and increased sustainability regulations.
Group Coordinator - The MEP responsible for coordinating their political group’s position within a parliamentary committee, influencing internal debates and voting strategies.
Impact Assessment - A mandatory evaluation that the European Commission conducts before proposing new legislation, analysing potential economic, social, and environmental effects.
INI (Own-Initiative Report) - A non-legislative report drafted by the European Parliament on topics where it wants to influence EU policy, often leading to legislative proposals later.
Implementing Act - A regulation specifying how EU laws should be applied in practice, adopted by the European Commission but under close scrutiny from member states.
Inter-service Consultation - A process within the European Commission where different departments (DGs) review and provide input on draft proposals to ensure policy coherence.
MEP (Member of the European Parliament) - An individual directly elected by citizens of European Union member states to represent their interests in the European Parliament. MEPs serve five-year terms and are instrumental in shaping EU legislation by debating, amending, and voting on proposals.
Mertens - A preparatory body similar to the Antici Group but focused on Coreper I, dealing with technical and sectoral issues to ensure efficient decision-making among EU ambassadors.
MFF (Multiannual Financial Framework) - The EU’s long-term budget, usually covering a seven-year period, setting the spending limits for different policy areas.
Ordinary Legislative Procedure (OLP) - The standard decision-making process in the EU, where the European Parliament and the Council must agree on legislation through multiple readings.
Patriots for Europe (PfE) - A right-wing political group that includes nationalist and populist parties. The PfE emphasizes national sovereignty, strict immigration controls, and a critical stance toward further EU integration.
Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) - A centre-left group comprising socialist and social-democratic parties. The S&D focuses on social justice, workers' rights, and reducing economic inequalities within the EU.
PSC (Political and Security Committee) - A committee that monitors the international situation and helps define EU policies within the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), also overseeing crisis management operations.
Rapporteur - An MEP tasked with drafting reports on legislative proposals, negotiating amendments, and representing the Parliament in discussions with the Commission and Council.
Renew Europe (RE) - A centrist and liberal political group that brings together liberal, pro-European parties. Renew Europe emphasizes individual freedoms, market economy, and strengthening the European Union's institutions.
SCA (Special Committee on Agriculture) - A preparatory body of the Council of the EU that deals with agricultural policy and CAP-related legislative proposals before they reach ministers.
