The Power to Delay: The European Parliament’s Influence in the Consultation Procedure

Abstract: This article analyses the European Parliament's legislative influence in the consultation procedure. It examines all (925) consultation proposals completed in the period 1 May 1999 to 30 April 2007. The article finds that through its 'power of delay' the European Parliament can substantially influence EU legislative outcomes alongside the Council and the Commission. In addition, the results demonstrate that EP influence in the consultation procedure is conditional on the support of the Commission, the type of issues contested and the ability of the European Parliament to link its opinions to co-decision proposals.