What is First reading?
First reading means: First reading is the opening stage of the ordinary legislative procedure in which Parliament and Council examine the Commission proposal and may adopt positions. Source: EUR-Lex glossary: ordinary legislative procedure and 1 other official source.
Why it matters
Many EU laws are completed at first reading after trilogue agreement, so 'first reading' does not mean the file is early or low-stakes.
Related law explainers
Related lobbying pages
Related glossary terms
Frequently asked
What is First reading?
First reading is the opening stage of the ordinary legislative procedure in which Parliament and Council examine the Commission proposal and may adopt positions.
Why does First reading matter in EU policy?
Many EU laws are completed at first reading after trilogue agreement, so 'first reading' does not mean the file is early or low-stakes.
Where can I verify the definition of First reading?
Lex cites EUR-Lex glossary: ordinary legislative procedure; European Parliament: legislative powers and procedures for this definition and links the source records on this page.
Official sources
Definitions are short paraphrases of official records, not legal advice. For binding text, use the linked EUR-Lex act, Official Journal or EU institution page.
See your company’s exposure — every claim cited.
Enter your company and Lex builds a cited Exposure Map in about 30 seconds. Free, no login.