The problem is the indirection. Only the European Commission can propose legislation [1], so the legislative direction of the EU is entirely determined by them

The problem is the indirection. Only the European Commission can propose legislation [1], so the legislative direction of the EU is entirely determined by them - MEPs can only slow it down. And citizens don't vote for the Commission directly, meaning there's a lot of backroom dealing in its selection. [1] Which also covers, I think, the act of repealing prior legislation.