The European Parliament is one of the key institutions of the European Union and represents EU citizens at the European level. Directly elected by EU citizens and acting as the legislative body of the EU, it plays a central role in the EU's legislative process, budget approval, and democratic representation.
Composition: The European Parliament is composed of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who are elected by EU citizens in their respective member states. The number of MEPs is determined by the population of each member state, with a maximum limit set for each country. As of 2021, there are 705 MEPs from the 27 EU member states.
Legislation: The European Parliament shares legislative power with the Council of the European Union. It participates in the legislative process by reviewing, amending, and adopting EU legislation. The Parliament has the power to propose amendments to draft legislation and to accept or reject proposals from the European Commission.
Budget approval: The European Parliament has the authority to approve the EU's annual budget. It works with the Council of the European Union to determine the budgetary allocations for different EU policies and programs. The Parliament monitors the implementation of the budget throughout the year.
Democratic oversight: The Parliament exercises democratic oversight over the EU institutions and agencies. It holds hearings, conducts inquiries, and has the power to question the European Commission and other EU bodies. MEPs have the right to request information and documents from the EU institutions.
Representation: The European Parliament represents the interests of EU citizens. MEPs act as the voice of their constituents and engage in debates, discussions, and decision-making on a wide range of EU policies and issues. They work in committees and political groups to shape legislation and advocate for specific interests.
Elections: The European Parliament is directly elected by EU citizens through universal suffrage. Elections take place every five years, and citizens vote for MEPs from their respective member states. The Parliament's composition reflects the political landscape in each member state, with MEPs representing different political parties and affiliations.
Committees and political groups: The work of the European Parliament is carried out in committees and political groups:
- Committees: The Parliament has specialised committees that focus on specific policy areas, such as agriculture, environment, or foreign affairs. Committees examine legislative proposals, draft reports, and hold hearings with experts and stakeholders. They play a crucial role in shaping legislation and providing expertise on various policy matters.
- Political groups: MEPs are organised into political groups based on their political affiliations. These groups reflect the diversity of political parties across the EU and provide a platform for MEPs to work together, exchange ideas, and coordinate their actions. Political groups play a significant role in building consensus and influencing decision-making within the Parliament.
Plenary sessions: The European Parliament holds plenary sessions, where all MEPs gather to debate and vote on legislative proposals, reports, and resolutions. Plenary sessions are the highest decision-making forums of the Parliament and provide an opportunity for MEPs to express their views, engage in discussions, and make decisions on behalf of EU citizens.
The European Parliament is a vital democratic institution within the EU. It represents EU citizens, exercises legislative powers, and ensures democratic oversight of EU institutions. Through its work, the Parliament contributes to shaping EU policies, advancing the interests of EU citizens, and promoting democratic decision-making at the European level.
You can learn more about this topic with our EU Law notes.
