Overview of the European Parliament
The European Parliament (EP) serves as one of the key legislative bodies of the European Union (EU), representing the interests of EU citizens and ensuring democratic governance within the Union. Established in 1952 and evolving through various treaty amendments, it has become a crucial player in EU decision-making, with its members directly elected every five years.
Parliament Structure and Composition
The European Parliament comprises 705 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), with representation from all EU member states. Each member state has a number of MEPs roughly proportional to its population, ensuring that smaller countries are not underrepresented. The current President of the European Parliament is Roberta Metsola, who oversees its operations and represents it to other EU institutions.
Political Groups: MEPs are organized into political groups based on their political affiliations. There are currently seven recognized groups, each requiring a minimum of 25 members from at least one-quarter of EU member states. Those who do not belong to any group are termed Non-Inscrits (NI) .
Parliament Main Functions
The European Parliament performs three primary functions:
1. Legislative Role:
- The EP shares legislative powers with the Council of the EU, meaning it can propose, amend, and adopt legislation. Most proposed laws require approval from both bodies to become law.
- It also plays a role in international agreements and enlargement decisions.
2. Supervisory Role:
- The Parliament exercises oversight over other EU institutions, particularly the European Commission. It must approve the appointment of the Commission President and can censure the entire Commission if necessary.
- MEPs can question Commission members during sessions and examine petitions from citizens.
3. Budgetary Role:
- Alongside the Council, the EP establishes the EU budget and has a say in long-term financial frameworks. It also approves expenditures and ensures that funds are used effectively.
Legislative Process
The legislative process in the European Parliament involves two main stages:
- Committee Work: The EP consists of 20 committees that specialize in various policy areas. These committees review proposed legislation, suggest amendments, and prepare reports for plenary sessions.
- Plenary Sessions: These sessions occur primarily in Strasbourg, where all MEPs convene to debate and vote on legislation. Plenary sessions typically take place four days each month, with additional sessions held in Brussels as needed.
Importance and Impact
The European Parliament is pivotal in shaping EU policies that affect millions of citizens across member states. Its role extends beyond mere legislation; it actively promotes democracy and human rights both within Europe and globally. By representing diverse political views and interests, it contributes to a more democratic Europe where citizens can voice their concerns through their elected representatives.
In conclusion, the European Parliament not only facilitates law-making but also ensures accountability within the EU's institutional framework, making it a cornerstone of European democracy.