European Parliament

Definition

The European Parliament is the directly elected legislative body of the European Union (EU), representing the interests of EU citizens. It plays a key role in shaping EU law and policies, working alongside the European Commission and the Council of the European Union to create legislation, oversee the budget, and ensure democratic accountability within the EU.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The European Parliament consists of 705 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who are elected every five years by EU citizens across member states.
2. The Parliament has significant powers, including co-decision on legislation, which means it must approve or reject proposed laws alongside the Council of the European Union.
3. One of its key functions is to oversee the EU budget, ensuring that funds are allocated appropriately to different areas such as agriculture, regional development, and security.
4. The Parliament is divided into political groups based on ideology rather than nationality, allowing for collaboration across different countries on shared goals.
5. The European Parliament also plays a crucial role in promoting human rights and democratic values within and outside the EU by evaluating compliance with these principles in member states.

Review Questions

• How does the European Parliament influence legislation within the EU?
  • The European Parliament influences legislation through its co-decision power, which requires it to approve or reject proposed laws together with the Council of the European Union. This collaborative process ensures that both representatives of EU citizens and member state governments have a say in shaping laws. The Parliament can propose amendments to legislation and has the authority to block initiatives that do not align with its priorities or those of its constituents.
• What are the implications of the Lisbon Treaty for the role of the European Parliament in EU governance?
  • The Lisbon Treaty significantly enhanced the powers of the European Parliament by expanding its legislative authority and making it a co-legislator with the Council of the European Union in more policy areas. This shift aimed to increase democratic legitimacy within the EU by giving more weight to the voice of elected representatives. As a result, the Parliament now plays a critical role in scrutinizing legislation, shaping policy debates, and influencing decision-making processes across various sectors.
• Evaluate how the structure and functions of the European Parliament contribute to democratic accountability in the European Union.
  • The structure and functions of the European Parliament enhance democratic accountability by directly representing EU citizens through elected Members of Parliament (MEPs). Its ability to propose amendments, debate legislation, and oversee budget allocations ensures that diverse perspectives are considered in policymaking. Moreover, through its power to approve or reject legislative proposals and hold other institutions accountable, such as the European Commission, it fosters transparency and encourages adherence to democratic principles throughout the EU.

Related terms

European Commission:

The executive branch of the EU responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and upholding EU treaties.

Council of the European Union: The institution in which national ministers from each EU country meet to discuss, amend, and adopt laws and policies.

Lisbon Treaty:

A treaty that amended the constitutional basis of the European Union, increasing the powers of the European Parliament and enhancing its legislative role.