European Parliament decides by majority of its members - Main contents

The European Parliament adopts a proposal when half plus one of all Members of Parliament vote in favour. Thus, a majority requires at least 353 votes in favour, regardless of the number of votes cast in a vote. This means at least half plus one of all MEP will have to cast their vote in order to achieve the number of votes necessary to pass a proposal.

Voting by majority of its members is used in the European Parliament when voting on amendments proposed by MEPs in the second reading of the ordinary legislative procedure. When voting on amendments proposed by the Council in the second reading of the ordinary legislative procedure a majority of its members is necessary to oppose these amendments.

Otherwise this voting method applies only when it is explicitly mentioned in the European treaties.

Should the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers fail to reach an agreement on the annual budget in the first reading the final vote on the annual budget will require a three fifths quorum when taking that vote.

Voting by majority of its members in the European Parliament is based on the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

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  application: sixth part TfEU title I chapter II section II art. 294 paragraph 7, as well as when explicitly indicated in the Treaties