Parlement européen - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. The European Parliament is one of the seven institutions of the European Union, along with the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, the European Council, the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Central Bank, and the Court of Auditors.
- 2. The European Parliament is the directly elected legislative body of the European Union and represents the interests of EU citizens. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are elected every five years by EU citizens from all 27 member states.
- 3. The European Parliament has three main functions: legislative, supervisory, and budgetary. It plays a key role in shaping EU legislation, monitoring the work of the European Commission, and approving the EU budget.
- 4. The European Parliament is composed of 705 MEPs who are organized into political groups based on their political affiliations. The largest political group is the European People's Party (EPP), followed by the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and the Renew Europe group.
- 5. The European Parliament meets in two locations: Brussels, Belgium, where most of its work is done, and Strasbourg, France, where 12 plenary sessions are held each year. The Parliament also has offices in Luxembourg.
- 6. The President of the European Parliament is elected for a two-and-a-half-year term and represents the Parliament in its relations with the other EU institutions and external partners. The current President is David Sassoli.
- 7. The European Parliament has the power to amend, accept, or reject legislation proposed by the European Commission. It also has the authority to hold hearings, inquiries, and debates on various issues affecting the EU.
- 8. The European Parliament has a number of committees that are responsible for specific policy areas, such as foreign affairs, economic and monetary affairs, and environment. These committees draft reports and resolutions that are presented to the full Parliament for debate and vote.
- 9. The European Parliament has been instrumental in promoting gender equality, environmental protection, and human rights within the EU. It has also played a key role in advancing the EU's policies on climate change, migration, and digital transformation.
- 10. The European Parliament plays a crucial role in the democratic governance of the European Union. It represents the interests of EU citizens, ensures transparency and accountability in EU decision-making, and contributes to the development of a more united and prosperous Europe.