European Politics

Politics at a European level can be very confusing and feel very remote. Many people are understandably not very clear about why European politics is important for Wales, especially now that we have some devolved national powers.

However, European politics has a big influence on the lives of EU citizens because EU laws apply in all member states and most laws passed by national parliaments are drafted in response to European directives.

The European Treaties (known as primary legislation) are the basis for the large body of secondary legislation which has a direct impact on the lives of EU citizens. The secondary legislation consists mainly of regulations, directives and recommendations adopted by the EU institutions.

There are examples of European legislation on environmental protection, consumer rights, equal opportunities, transport, and the free movement of workers, capital, services and goods.

In order to understand how this decision-making process works, it is important to start with an understanding of the European Union.

You will also be aware that there has been plenty of coverage of something called the Lisbon Treaty which is set to change some aspects of how the European Union works. Click here to find out more about the Lisbon Treaty.