European Parliament

Definition

The European Parliament is one of the key institutions of the European Union (EU), representing the interests of EU citizens and playing a crucial role in shaping European legislation. It works alongside the European Commission and the Council of the European Union to enact laws, oversee budgets, and influence policies related to trade, the economy, and other important areas affecting member states. As a directly elected body, it reflects the democratic values of the EU, allowing citizens to participate in governance at a supranational level.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The European Parliament has 705 members (MEPs) who are elected every five years by citizens of EU member states.
2. It plays a vital role in approving or rejecting proposed legislation that affects trade policies, consumer protection, and economic regulations across Europe.
3. The Parliament has significant budgetary powers, as it must approve the EU's overall budget and can influence how funds are allocated.
4. It operates in collaboration with the European Commission and the Council of the European Union, working through a co-decision procedure for most legislative areas.
5. The Parliament also holds important hearings and inquiries into issues such as human rights, environmental standards, and economic competitiveness.

Review Questions

• How does the European Parliament influence trade policies within the EU?
  • The European Parliament influences trade policies by reviewing, amending, and voting on proposed legislation put forth by the European Commission. MEPs represent various interests from their constituencies and ensure that citizen perspectives are included in decision-making processes. By approving or rejecting trade agreements and regulations, the Parliament plays a key role in shaping the economic landscape of Europe.
• Discuss how the collaboration between the European Parliament and other EU institutions affects legislative processes.
  • The collaboration between the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the Council of the European Union is essential for effective governance within the EU. This partnership follows a co-decision procedure where both Parliament and Council must agree on legislation for it to pass. This ensures that multiple perspectives are considered, fostering democratic representation while addressing various economic issues across member states.
• Evaluate the impact of direct elections for members of the European Parliament on its legitimacy and effectiveness in representing EU citizens.
  • Direct elections for members of the European Parliament significantly enhance its legitimacy as it allows citizens to actively participate in choosing their representatives. This electoral process fosters accountability and ensures that MEPs reflect public opinion on trade and economic matters. As a result, this democratic approach strengthens the Parliament's effectiveness in advocating for citizen interests in legislative processes while promoting transparency in decision-making.

Related terms

European Commission:

The executive branch of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and managing the day-to-day operations of the EU.

Council of the European Union: An institution of the EU where government ministers from each member state meet to discuss policy issues, negotiate legislation, and coordinate actions.

Single Market: An economic system within the EU that allows goods, services, people, and capital to move freely among member states without trade barriers.