Note on Document Formats and Numbering Throughout this guide, “x” represents a non-date number, while “y” denotes a specific year.
When referring to the “Lead Committee,” we mean the group of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) responsible for drafting an official position on a legislative proposal. This responsibility derives from their thematic competence (for instance, if the proposal concerns the EU budget, the Lead Committee would be the Budgetary Control Committee).
1. The European Commission – From Ideas to Legislative Proposals
The European Commission has the authority to issue legislative proposals. A policy concern or a political priority can prompt the Commission (often referred to by the name of its headquarters, the “Berlaymont”) to either propose a new EU law—such as a regulation—or introduce substantial amendments to existing EU legislation.
However, even before a draft proposal is finalized, the Commission follows a specific internal procedure, which involves several document types and abbreviations.
Impact Assessment (IA)
These documents, published before the submission of a proposal, evaluate the potential consequences of a new legislative measure. They also help determine whether EU-level action is warranted in the relevant policy domain.
Call for Evidence
Issued around the same time as Impact Assessments, Calls for Evidence invite the public—particularly stakeholders—to comment on a prospective legislative initiative. Feedback is then compiled and considered in refining the proposal.
COM
This abbreviation refers to the Commission’s formal proposals (whether entirely new legislation or amendments to existing laws). They follow the format COM/yyyy/xx, indicating the year and a unique document reference.
SWD
Standing for “Staff Working Document,” these documents supplement legislative proposals with technical analyses, statistical data, and detailed annexes that help underpin the new proposal.
2. The European Parliament – Scrutiny and Adoption
Once the Commission adopts a proposal, it is transmitted to the European Parliament—comprising the directly elected representatives of EU citizens—for discussion, amendment, and possible adoption. During this phase, you may encounter the following abbreviations.
COD
Short for the “Ordinary Legislative Procedure” (also known as “Codecision”). These proposals are indicated as yyyy/xxxx(COD). They arrive from the Commission, are examined by the Parliament, and then move on to the Council of the EU for approval.
Cx
This prefix identifies European Parliament “draft” texts. They reflect the perspective of the Lead Committee on the proposed legislation and are typically formatted as Cx-xxxx/yyyy.
Ax
This abbreviation denotes the Lead Committee’s final “report” on the draft legislation—encompassing proposed amendments and recommendations—which is circulated for consideration by all MEPs. The format is Ax-xxxx/yyyy.
PV
These are the minutes (“procès-verbal”) of plenary sessions, documenting discussions, interventions, and debates regarding the Lead Committee’s report. The format PV_dd/mm/yyyy also includes a record of how MEPs voted on the text under examination.
Px_TA
Once a text has been adopted in plenary, it is assigned this abbreviation—Px_TA(yyyy)xxxx—and represents the version of the legislative act that incorporates all amendments introduced during the Parliamentary stage.
3. The Council of the European Union – The Final Step
The Council of the European Union functions similarly to an upper chamber of a legislature, representing the interests of EU Member States through various ministerial-level configurations. As the final arbiter in the legislative process (together with the Parliament under the Ordinary Legislative Procedure), the Council’s adoption signifies the completion of the EU law-making cycle.
REGULATION
Once the Council has approved the text (after “trilogues” between the Commission, Parliament, and Council), the legislative measure is formally enacted as an EU Regulation. Member States must then implement the newly adopted rules into their national legal systems. Other Common Abbreviations
CON
Used for consultative opinions from bodies outside the core EU institutions (e.g., the European Economic and Social Committee or the European Central Bank). The format is CON/yyyy/xx.
REV
“REV” indicates a revised version of a document at any point in the legislative process, typically noted as REV1, REV2, etc.
By keeping these abbreviations in mind, you will be better equipped to navigate EU legislative documents—understanding not only the content but also where each document stands in the decision-making timeline.
