The power distribution in decision making among EU member states

Abstract

Policy making in the European Union (EU) is modelled as a game in coalition form played by EU member states. In contrast to the previous literature, all legislative procedures in EU decision making and all EU institutions involved are considered. An aggregate power index for each EU member state is determined. The overwhelming importance of the Council and especially of qualified majority voting in the Council for the distribution of power among member states is shown. This finding is illustrated by the irrelevance of the amendment of the seats distribution in the European Parliament in 1994 for the distribution of power among member states. The power shifts among member states caused by the 1995 EU enlargement are shown to be considerable. The issue of the ‘fairness’ of the present rent distribution is raised.