2014 is a year that will define EU policy for the next five years. A new European Parliament will be elected in May. The European Commission's term will end in October. The first ever President of the European Council will see his mandate ending in November. The change of leadership positions in the EU will impact law making and define EU priorities for the years to come.

This article considers what will happen throughout the year of transition, focusing on the impact of the European elections on legislative work in 2014 and on the procedural aspects of appointing the decision-makers for the next 5 years.