Which institution holds the power to shape the legislative agenda of the EU?

The institution that holds the power to shape the legislative agenda of the EU is the European Commission. The European Commission is responsible for proposing new legislation and ensuring that treaties are upheld, serving as the executive arm of the EU. It initiates policy proposals, which can then be debated and amended by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.

This role of the Commission is crucial because it not only sets the agenda but also evaluates the effectiveness of legislation once in place, providing feedback to the EU institutions on the implementation and impact of laws. The ability to draft and propose legislation gives the European Commission significant influence over the legislative process and priorities of the EU.

The European Parliament, while a key legislative body, does not initiate legislation but debates and votes on the proposals put forward by the Commission. The European Council consists of heads of state or government and sets the political direction, but it does not engage in the detailed legislative agenda-setting. The Court of Justice of the EU primarily interprets and applies EU law to ensure it is observed but does not play a role in shaping the legislative agenda.