The boundaries of the Commission’s discretionary powers when handling petitions and potential infringements of EU law. From legal limits to political collaboration in enforcement?

This study analyses the legal limits on the discretion of the European Commission when deciding to launch, or not to launch, an infringement action, especially in response to a petition. In addition, it assesses how the Commission uses this discretion in practice, and formulates recommendations on improved political collaboration between the European Parliament and the Commission, in the interest of European Union (EU) citizens.

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The study was commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the Committee on Petitions (PETI).