Wie steht es um die Beziehung zwischen den nationalen Parlamenten und dem Europaparlament? Theorie und Praxis gehen hier nicht immer Hand in Hand.

So machen wir das: Können die nationalen Parlamente EU-Gesetze blockieren?

During the EU legislation process   the German Bundestag can influence

the German government which then   has to take into account

the position of the Bundestag in the   negotiations on the European level.

And this is the case   for all national parliaments.

The European Parliament is trying to   reach a more intensive direct cooperation

with the national parliaments, so that their   views are better taken into account

The Treaty of Lisbon which will   possibly be ratified this year,

foresees a formal right to veto   for national parliaments

As our expert explains,   the national influence disappears

after the approval   by the European Council and the EP.

If a legal act is approved, the Bundestag   theoretically can refuse the transposition.

Practically, this does not accomplish a lot.

Regulations take effect anyway   and directives take effect directly

when the transposition deadline   has expired.

Also, the government can be held   for damages or a contractual penalty

After all, the Bundestag   has very little power

when it comes to transposing   European legal acts into national law.