European Parliament

Definition

The European Parliament is one of the main legislative bodies of the European Union (EU), representing the interests of EU citizens and playing a key role in shaping EU policy and law. It consists of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) elected by citizens of member states, allowing for democratic representation at a European level. The Parliament works alongside other EU institutions, such as the European Commission and the Council of the European Union, to create legislation that affects various aspects of life in member countries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The European Parliament was established in 1952 as the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community and has evolved into a significant legislative body for the EU.
2. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are directly elected every five years, with elections held in each EU member state based on proportional representation.
3. The Parliament's primary functions include debating and approving legislation, scrutinizing other EU institutions, and representing citizens' concerns and interests.
4. The European Parliament has grown in power over time, particularly after the Lisbon Treaty in 2009, which expanded its legislative authority and co-decision powers.
5. The Parliament also plays a critical role in approving the EU budget and ensuring accountability within other EU institutions, like the European Commission.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of the European Parliament enhance democratic representation for EU citizens?
  • The structure of the European Parliament enhances democratic representation through its direct election process, allowing citizens from each EU member state to vote for their Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). This electoral system is based on proportional representation, meaning that votes are translated into seats fairly according to the population size of each member country. As a result, MEPs represent diverse perspectives from across Europe, ensuring that various regional interests are taken into account in EU decision-making.
• Discuss the relationship between the European Parliament and other EU institutions such as the European Commission and the Council of the European Union.
  • The European Parliament works closely with both the European Commission and the Council of the European Union in a collaborative legislative process. The European Commission proposes new laws and policies, which are then debated and amended by members of Parliament. Once approved by Parliament, these proposals must also be agreed upon by the Council, which represents member states' governments. This intricate relationship ensures that both citizen interests and national concerns are considered in EU legislation.
• Evaluate how changes brought by treaties, such as the Lisbon Treaty, have impacted the powers and functions of the European Parliament.
  • Changes brought about by treaties like the Lisbon Treaty have significantly enhanced the powers and functions of the European Parliament. By increasing its legislative authority through co-decision procedures with the Council of the EU, Parliament now has equal standing when it comes to adopting most EU legislation. Additionally, these changes have expanded its role in scrutinizing other institutions, shaping budgetary decisions, and representing citizens' interests more robustly. This shift reflects a growing commitment to democratic governance within the EU framework.

Related terms

European Commission: The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and upholding EU treaties.

Council of the European Union: The Council of the European Union is a key decision-making body that represents the governments of EU member states and works with the European Parliament to adopt legislation.

Legislation: Legislation refers to laws enacted by legislative bodies like the European Parliament, which have binding effects on member states within the EU.