European Parliament

Definition

The European Parliament is the legislative body of the European Union, responsible for representing the interests of EU citizens and making decisions on various legislative matters. It plays a crucial role in shaping EU policy and laws alongside the European Commission and the Council of the European Union, thus ensuring democratic representation within the EU framework.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The European Parliament consists of 705 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who are elected from all 27 EU member states.
2. It is one of the largest democratic assemblies in the world, with MEPs representing a diverse range of political parties and viewpoints across Europe.
3. The Parliament has co-decision power with the Council of the European Union on most legislation, meaning it must approve laws for them to be enacted.
4. Key functions include debating and approving the EU budget, scrutinizing other EU institutions, and holding public consultations on various policies.
5. The Parliament's sessions take place primarily in Strasbourg, France, while committee meetings and additional sessions often occur in Brussels, Belgium.

Review Questions

• How does the European Parliament's legislative power interact with other EU institutions?
  • The European Parliament exercises its legislative power by working closely with other EU institutions like the European Commission and the Council of the European Union. It shares co-decision powers with the Council on most legislative matters, meaning both bodies must agree on proposed laws for them to pass. This collaborative approach ensures that legislation reflects both democratic representation and the interests of member states.
• Evaluate the impact of direct elections for MEPs on democratic representation within the EU.
  • Direct elections for Members of the European Parliament have significantly enhanced democratic representation within the EU by allowing citizens to elect their representatives directly every five years. This process empowers voters and gives them a voice in shaping EU policies that affect their lives. As a result, MEPs are more accountable to their constituents, which can lead to increased public engagement with EU affairs and stronger connections between citizens and European governance.
• Assess how the European Parliament contributes to shaping policy in areas such as environmental regulation or digital rights.
  • The European Parliament plays a vital role in shaping policy across various sectors, including environmental regulation and digital rights. By debating and amending proposed legislation, MEPs can influence significant initiatives like climate change agreements or data protection laws. Their ability to scrutinize proposals from the European Commission ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, helping to create balanced policies that reflect both citizen concerns and expert insights, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future.

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, amend, and adopt laws, representing the interests of their respective countries.

Direct Elections: Elections in which citizens directly vote for their representatives; in the context of the EU, members of the European Parliament are elected every five years by voters in member states.