European parliament has no real power, it's a democratic illusion, just like the elections in USSR. You don't believe me? Then explain me how the EP repels an already voted law. It can't.
Democracy can be slightly more complex than direct democracy without being a sham like "elections in the USSR".
See my comment here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40560873
Ultimatly the popular Parliament and the government council can block it, and the leaders of each member government can of course nominate commissioners who do not wish such laws passed
The reality is that democracy if governments want this type of law - hell large numbers of the people do. It’s the problem with democracy.
Certain interests dont like the EU as it’s harder to manipulate than a typical national government and people.
Once accepted, it's almost impossible to repeal the law by the EP because they will need the approval of the EC and Council of the EU, both of which have members that are not directly elected by the people. EC and Council of the EU is also that body which so far has proven to be far more authoritarian in it's approach.
So, the parent is largely correct.
Which is the relevant part here, not muddying the water by bloviating about something else, right? Having a body that can only vote on/debate on proposals is absolutely not rare across western democracies.