European Parliament

The European Parliament is the directly elected legislative body of the European Union (EU). It represents the citizens of the EU member states and has the power to pass laws, approve the EU budget, and oversee the work of the EU institutions.

Here are some key details about the European Parliament:

1. Composition: The European Parliament is composed of 705 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who are elected by EU citizens every five years. The number of MEPs allocated to each member state is based on its population size.

2. Functions and Powers: The European Parliament has several important functions and powers, including:

– Legislative Role: It shares legislative power with the Council of the European Union. Together, they adopt EU laws and regulations based on proposals from the European Commission.

– Budgetary Role: The Parliament has the power to approve, amend, or reject the EU budget proposed by the Commission.

– Supervisory Role: It exercises democratic oversight over the EU institutions, including the Commission and the Council. It can request information, hold hearings, and adopt resolutions.

– Appointment Role: The Parliament has the power to approve or reject the appointment of the President of the European Commission and the College of Commissioners.

– International Relations: The Parliament represents the EU in international relations, including through its consent powers on international agreements.

3. Committees and Political Groups: The work of the European Parliament is organized through various committees, which specialize in different policy areas. MEPs belong to political groups based on their political affiliations, which helps shape the legislative agenda and decision-making process.

4. Plenary Sessions: The Parliament holds plenary sessions in Strasbourg, France, where all MEPs gather to debate and vote on legislative proposals, resolutions, and other matters. Additional sessions are held in Brussels, Belgium.

5. Democratic Process: The European Parliament plays a crucial role in ensuring democratic representation within the EU. It provides a platform for citizens’ voices to be heard, as MEPs are elected directly by EU citizens.

6. Role in EU Integration: The Parliament has played a significant role in the development and deepening of European integration. It has been instrumental in shaping EU policies and legislation, promoting human rights and democracy, and fostering cooperation among member states.

Overall, the European Parliament is a key institution within the EU’s governance structure, representing the interests of EU citizens and contributing to the democratic decision-making process at the European level.