European Parliament
European Parliament
The European Parliament (EP) is one of the two legislative bodies of the European Union (EU) and one of its seven institutions. Alongside the Council of the European Union, it plays a crucial role in the legislative process within the EU, responsible for making decisions that affect the 27 member states and their approximately 447 million citizens.
Composition and Structure
The European Parliament is comprised of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), who are directly elected by EU citizens every five years. The Parliament is currently made up of 720 MEPs, though this number can vary depending on the enlargement or retraction of member states. MEPs organize themselves into political groups not by nationality, but by political affiliation. Notable political groups include the European People's Party, the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, and The Left in the European Parliament.
Function and Powers
The European Parliament exercises significant influence over EU legislation. It has the power to adopt, amend, or reject legislation proposed by the European Commission. The Parliament also shares budgetary powers with the Council of the European Union and is responsible for approving the EU budget. Additionally, the Parliament holds supervisory powers over other EU institutions, including the Commission, which it can dismiss through a vote of no-confidence, and participates in the appointment of the President of the European Commission.
Leadership
The President of the European Parliament presides over debates and represents the Parliament within the EU and internationally. The President is elected for a renewable two-and-a-half-year term, which corresponds to half of a parliamentary term. The President's role is integral to maintaining order during debates, overseeing the work of the Parliament's various bodies, and representing the Parliament in all legal matters.
Legislative Process
MEPs participate in the legislative process through plenary sessions where they debate and vote on European laws. The European Parliament's legislative powers have expanded significantly over the years, particularly since the Lisbon Treaty, which enhanced its role in the co-decision procedure, now known as the ordinary legislative procedure. This procedure places the Parliament on an equal footing with the Council for most EU legislation.
Historical Context
The European Parliament has evolved significantly since its inception. Originally established as the Common Assembly in 1952, it was transformed into a directly elected body in 1979, marking a pivotal moment in European integration. Over the decades, the Parliament has gained substantial legislative and budgetary powers, reflecting the growing importance of democratic representation in the EU's institutional framework.
Recent Developments
The most recent European Parliament election was held in 2024, resulting in a new configuration of political power within the Parliament. The European People's Party emerged as a leading force, influencing the agenda and legislative priorities in the ongoing parliamentary session.