What Are Delegated Acts?
Delegated acts are legislative tools that allow the European Commission to make technical or detailed adjustments to existing EU laws. They provide the flexibility needed to adapt legislation to new developments without requiring a full legislative process. Each delegated act derives its authority from a parent legislative act - usually a regulation or directive - which sets clear boundaries for its scope and content.
Key points to know:
Legal Basis: Delegated acts are governed by Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
Delegation of Power: The European Parliament and the Council grant specific powers to the Commission to adopt these acts.
Checks and Balances: Parliament and Council can object to or revoke the delegation if an act exceeds its mandate.
How Do Delegated Acts Work?
The process for adopting a delegated act follows these steps:
Preparation: The European Commission consults with experts, stakeholders, and Member States to draft the act. The Commission frequently works with expert groups composed of specialists from Member States, industry representatives, and civil society organizations. These groups provide technical expertise, ensure stakeholder perspectives are considered, and help refine the draft act.
Notification: The draft is formally transmitted to the European Parliament and the Council.
Scrutiny Period: Parliament and Council typically have two months (extendable by another two) to examine the draft.
Adoption or Rejection: If no objections are raised, the act is adopted and published in the Official Journal of the EU.
Why Monitoring Delegated Acts Matters
Though they might seem technical, delegated acts often contain critical details that shape implementation and compliance for businesses, industries, and stakeholders. Missing a key development in this area can have significant consequences, from operational disruptions to missed opportunities for input.
For example, under the EU Green Deal, delegated acts established technical criteria for energy efficiency or emissions standards. Professionals in sectors like energy, transport, or construction must be aware of these evolving rules to anticipate their impact and adapt strategies accordingly.
Tools and Methods for Tracking Delegated Acts
Tracking delegated acts effectively can be challenging given the volume and complexity of EU legislative activity. With Dixit, you can simplify this process significantly. The platform offers powerful tools to:
Find Any Delegated Act: Dixit allows you to quickly locate any delegated act and access its full history, including its legal basis, current status, and key milestones. You can follow its developments from draft to adoption, ensuring that you stay informed throughout the process.
Track Expert Groups: The platform enables you to monitor expert groups involved in shaping delegated acts. With Dixit, you can:
Be alerted to changes in group composition, ensuring you know who is contributing to the discussions.
Access documents published by these groups, giving you insights into their deliberations and proposals.
Stay informed about upcoming meetings, so you can anticipate key developments and align your strategy accordingly.
Receive Custom Alerts: Dixit allows you to set personalized notifications for updates on delegated acts and expert groups. Whether it’s a newly published document, a change in a group’s composition, or the scheduling of a critical meeting, you’ll receive timely alerts to act promptly.
Collaborate Effectively: Dixit’s collaborative tools help you share insights, coordinate responses, and ensure your team is aligned in its engagement with EU institutions and legislative processes.
Conclusion
Delegated acts are a vital component of the EU legislative process, bridging the gap between overarching policies and their practical application. Expert groups play a critical role in shaping these acts, providing the technical expertise and stakeholder input needed to refine legislative details. For EU affairs professionals, understanding how they work and maintaining a robust monitoring strategy are essential steps in ensuring informed and effective advocacy.
By leveraging structured methods and tools, you can stay ahead of these developments, ensuring your organization remains prepared and proactive in the face of legislative changes. Tracking delegated acts may seem challenging, but with the right approach, it becomes a manageable and rewarding part of your EU engagement strategy.
