Article 23 of the Basic Law provides for comprehensive participation and information rights for the Bundestag and the Bundesrat in matters concerning the European Union. The details are laid down in statute ("Act on Cooperation between the Federal Government and the German Bundestag in Matters concerning the European Union" and "Act on Cooperation between the Federation and Länder in European Union Matters").

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy ensures that the Bundestag and the Bundesrat are always kept fully informed in these matters, at the earliest possible time. Most importantly, the ministry takes care of forwarding EU documents as well as reports on and appraisals of current EU projects, which in turn makes it possible for the Bundestag and the Bundesrat to pass on their comments and input to the Federal Government and thereby play a part in the deliberations and the decision-making process at European level.