Introduction
The European Parliament (EP) is one of the key institutions of the European Union (EU) and serves as the directly elected legislative body representing the interests of EU citizens. Established in 1952 as the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), it has evolved into a powerful institution within the EU’s governance system.
The European Parliament is unique as it is the only directly elected transnational assembly in the world. Its powers have grown over time, particularly after treaties like the Maastricht Treaty (1993), Amsterdam Treaty (1997), and Lisbon Treaty (2009), giving it greater influence over EU legislation, budgets, and policies.
Constitution of the European Parliament
1. Membership and Elections
- The European Parliament consists of 705 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), elected by EU citizens every five years.
- Elections are conducted in each member state using proportional representation, ensuring fair representation based on population size.
- The largest representation is from Germany (96 MEPs), while smaller countries like Malta, Luxembourg, and Cyprus have 6 MEPs each.
2. Structure of the Parliament
- President of the European Parliament: Elected by MEPs for a renewable 2.5-year term, responsible for chairing sessions and representing the EP in EU affairs.
- Committees and Political Groups: MEPs are divided into political factions rather than national delegations, including major groups like the European People’s Party (EPP), Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), and Renew Europe.
- Plenary Sessions: Held in Strasbourg (France), while most legislative work occurs in Brussels (Belgium).
Role of the European Parliament
The European Parliament plays a crucial role in EU governance by shaping policies, scrutinizing other EU institutions, and representing the voices of over 447 million EU citizens.
1. Legislative Role (Law-Making Powers)
- The EP shares legislative authority with the Council of the European Union.
- Under the Ordinary Legislative Procedure (OLP) (co-decision process), the EP and the Council must jointly approve most EU laws.
- It has the power to amend, reject, or approve proposals from the European Commission.
2. Budgetary Role (Financial Oversight)
- The EP and the Council of the EU jointly decide the EU’s budget, including funding allocations for programs like agriculture, infrastructure, and education.
- It has the power to approve or reject the EU’s annual budget, ensuring financial transparency.
3. Democratic Supervision and Accountability
- The Parliament oversees EU institutions and agencies, holding them accountable for their actions.
- It has the power to approve or reject the appointment of the European Commission President and can dismiss the Commission through a vote of no confidence.
- It regularly debates issues like human rights, democracy, and governance, influencing EU foreign policy.
4. Representing Citizens and Policy Advocacy
- As the only directly elected EU body, the EP ensures that EU citizens have a voice in decision-making.
- MEPs interact with civil society, businesses, and interest groups to shape policies that reflect the concerns of EU residents.
Functions of the European Parliament
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Legislative | Adopts and amends EU laws with the Council of the EU |
| Budgetary | Approves the EU’s budget and monitors financial spending |
| Supervisory | Holds the European Commission accountable, conducts investigations |
| International Affairs | Influences EU foreign policy, approves trade agreements |
| Democracy and Human Rights | Supports democratic values and monitors human rights abuses globally |
Limitations of the European Parliament
- Does not have full legislative power: The European Commission has the exclusive right to propose laws, limiting the Parliament’s ability to initiate legislation.
- EU decision-making remains complex: The Parliament must negotiate with the Council of the EU, making the law-making process slow.
- Low voter turnout: European Parliament elections often see lower participation rates compared to national elections, raising concerns about legitimacy.
Conclusion
The European Parliament has grown significantly in power and plays a central role in EU governance. It ensures democratic representation, oversees EU institutions, and helps shape laws affecting millions of Europeans. However, its lack of independent legislative power and the complex decision-making process highlight the challenges of EU governance. As European integration deepens, the role of the European Parliament is expected to further evolve, enhancing democratic legitimacy within the EU.
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