Lex/Glossary/Second reading
Glossary · Legislative process

What is Second reading?

Definition

Second reading means: Second reading is the later stage of the ordinary legislative procedure used when Parliament and Council have not agreed at first reading. Source: EUR-Lex glossary: ordinary legislative procedure and 1 other official source.

Does this affect your company?
Run a free exposure scan — Lex maps the EU files, deadlines and source records heading your way, every claim cited.

Why it matters

Second reading narrows the room for change and raises the procedural stakes for accepting, amending or rejecting the Council position.

Related law explainers

Related lobbying pages

Related glossary terms

Frequently asked

What is Second reading?

Second reading is the later stage of the ordinary legislative procedure used when Parliament and Council have not agreed at first reading.

Why does Second reading matter in EU policy?

Second reading narrows the room for change and raises the procedural stakes for accepting, amending or rejecting the Council position.

Where can I verify the definition of Second 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.