After the enlargment the ratio will fall under one third of the members of the Union. Enhanced cooperation has been extended to the second pillar, Common foreign and security policy, for the implementation of joint action or a common position unless it has military implications or affects defence matters. After consultancy of the Commission, the Council will decide by qualified majority, however a Member State can demand unanimity. Binding Instruments Regulations are of general application and, once approved, are binding in their entirety and directly applicable in the Members States. Directives are binding as to the results to be achieved and the deadline for achieving such results but leave the form and the methods of implementation to national authorities.
Decisions are binding to addressee for the specific issue.
The EU institutions usually express non-binding opinions in communications. These can be considered to be opinions or recommendations in the sense of the Treaty. Recommendations and opinions are non-binding, declaratory instruments. These consultations may then lead to the publication of a White Paper, translating the conclusions of the debate into practical proposals for Community action. White Papers Commission White Papers are documents containing proposals for Community action in a specific area.