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 the legislative process. It is directly elected by EU citizens every five years and works alongside the Council of the European Union to debate, amend, and pass legislation that impacts member states. The Parliament's powers have evolved over time, reflecting the growing integration of EU policies and the need for democratic accountability within the EU framework.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The European Parliament has 705 members, known as Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), who represent different political groups and interests across the EU.
2. It exercises legislative power through a process called 'co-decision,' where it shares equal responsibility with the Council of the European Union for passing legislation.
3. The Parliament also plays a role in shaping the EU budget, approving or rejecting it as part of its oversight functions.
4. The European Parliament is headquartered in Strasbourg, France, but also conducts sessions in Brussels, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
5. MEPs are elected using a system of proportional representation, ensuring that votes reflect the diverse political views of EU citizens.

Review Questions

• How does the European Parliament influence the legislative process within the European Union?
  • The European Parliament significantly influences the legislative process through its co-decision power with the Council of the European Union. This means that both institutions must agree on proposed legislation before it becomes law. The Parliament not only debates and amends proposals but also represents EU citizens' interests, ensuring that their voices are heard in policymaking. This collaborative approach enhances democratic legitimacy within the EU framework.
• Discuss the evolution of powers granted to the European Parliament through treaties and their impact on EU governance.
  • Over time, treaties like the Treaty of Maastricht and Treaty of Lisbon have expanded the powers of the European Parliament. These treaties have shifted some legislative responsibilities from national governments to EU institutions, increasing parliamentary influence over key areas such as trade, environment, and human rights. This evolution has allowed for greater representation of EU citizens in governance and more effective oversight of other EU institutions, promoting transparency and accountability.
• Evaluate how the composition and electoral process of the European Parliament reflects the principles of democracy within the European Union.
  • The composition of the European Parliament, with 705 directly elected MEPs from various political groups, embodies democratic principles by representing a wide range of perspectives across member states. The use of proportional representation in elections ensures that all voices are considered fairly in legislative decisions. This electoral process strengthens democratic legitimacy within the EU by allowing citizens to participate actively in choosing their representatives. As a result, this fosters engagement with EU policies and promotes accountability among elected officials.

Related terms

Council of the European Union: An institution of the EU where government ministers from each member state meet to discuss and adopt legislation, coordinate policies, and develop foreign policy.

European Commission:

The executive branch of the EU responsible for proposing legislation, enforcing EU laws, and managing the day-to-day operations of the Union.

Treaty of Lisbon: A treaty that amended the constitutional basis of the EU, enhancing the powers of the European Parliament and streamlining decision-making processes.