The European Parliament (EP) is one of the most important and visible institutions within the European Union (EU). Established by the Treaty of Rome (1957), the EP has evolved significantly in terms of its powers, functions, and role in shaping EU policy. It is the only directly elected body in the EU, representing the citizens of its member states and playing a key role in the legislative, budgetary, and supervisory processes within the EU governance system.
1. Composition of the European Parliament
The European Parliament is composed of 705 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), who are elected every five years by citizens of the EU member states. The number of MEPs each country has is roughly proportional to its population size, although smaller countries are allocated slightly more seats to ensure representation.
The Parliament is organized into political groups rather than national delegations, and its members are grouped based on their political affiliations rather than their nationality. The EP operates in a multilingual environment, with 24 official languages, and meetings are often conducted in several languages.
2. Legislative Powers
One of the most significant powers of the European Parliament is its role in the legislative process within the EU. The Parliament works alongside the Council of the European Union (Council of Ministers) to create laws in most areas under the ordinary legislative procedure (formerly known as co-decision).
- Initiating Legislation: While the European Commission is the primary institution responsible for proposing EU legislation, the European Parliament can request the Commission to draft a proposal in certain areas. Parliament has the ability to influence the Commission’s agenda through resolutions.
- Debating and Amending Legislation: Once a legislative proposal is made by the Commission, the EP examines the proposal and can propose amendments. The text is then sent to the Council, which may accept, reject, or amend the proposals.
- Approval: After a series of debates and negotiations (often involving trilateral negotiations between the Parliament, Council, and Commission), the final version of the legislation is submitted to the European Parliament for approval. If the Parliament rejects the proposal, it may not become law, highlighting its critical role in shaping EU policy.
- Special Legislative Procedures: In certain areas, the European Parliament’s role is more limited. For example, in the areas of foreign policy and defence, the Parliament’s influence is primarily advisory, and decisions are often made intergovernmentally by the member states.
3. Budgetary Powers
The European Parliament plays a crucial role in the EU budgetary process. Under the Treaty of Lisbon (2007), Parliament gained significant powers regarding the adoption of the annual budget and the financial framework of the EU.
- The Parliament debates and amends the draft budget proposed by the European Commission, after which it approves or rejects it.
- If the European Parliament does not approve the budget, the Council of the EU cannot approve it either. This gives the Parliament veto power over the budget, ensuring that the allocation of EU resources aligns with parliamentary preferences.
- Control of expenditure: The EP ensures that EU funds are spent in accordance with EU laws and policies. It approves the financial accountability of the EU institutions and can recommend measures to prevent financial mismanagement.
4. Supervisory Functions
In addition to its legislative and budgetary roles, the European Parliament also has substantial supervisory powers over the European Commission and other EU institutions.
- Monitoring the European Commission: The EP plays a key role in overseeing the work of the European Commission, which is the executive body of the EU. Parliament approves the President of the Commission, as well as the entire Commission, after a hearing process in which MEPs can question the nominated Commissioners.
- Scrutiny and Accountability: The EP has the power to question the Commission, hold debates on various issues, and recommend action on specific matters. It can also request investigations into specific cases of misconduct or corruption.
- Motion of Censure: The European Parliament can pass a motion of censure against the Commission, which can lead to its resignation. This gives the Parliament a unique role in ensuring the executive body remains accountable to the citizens of the EU.
- Other Supervisory Functions: Parliament also has a supervisory role over the European Central Bank and EU agencies, and it can influence EU external agreements, such as trade treaties, by providing consent.
5. Role in Foreign Policy
While the European Parliament’s role in the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) is more limited compared to its involvement in internal matters, it still plays a significant role in shaping EU diplomacy and international relations.
- Ratification of Agreements: The EP must give its consent for most international agreements concluded by the EU, including trade agreements, agreements with non-EU countries, and international treaties.
- Human Rights and Democracy: The European Parliament has been active in promoting human rights and democracy in its foreign policy, often criticizing third countries for violations and pushing for stronger human rights provisions in international agreements.
6. Representation and Public Influence
The European Parliament serves as the voice of EU citizens. Through its direct election, it represents a broad cross-section of European society, providing a platform for the democratic debate and ensuring that public concerns are reflected in the legislative process.
- Public Engagement: The EP is also a forum for public discussion, with regular debates on key EU issues, which are often broadcasted to a global audience. The Parliament holds citizens’ dialogues and interacts with citizens through public petitions, making the EU governance system more transparent and accessible.
Conclusion
The European Parliament has become one of the most powerful democratic bodies in the world. Its legislative, budgetary, and supervisory functions ensure that the EU operates in a transparent, accountable, and democratic manner. Over the years, the Parliament’s influence has grown, particularly with the introduction of co-decision (ordinary legislative procedure) and the Treaty of Lisbon.
However, challenges remain, especially in balancing the interests of different member states and political groups. Yet, as the EU continues to deepen its integration, the European Parliament will remain a central institution in shaping Europe’s future.
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