The European Parliament

MORE THAN JUST AN ASSEMBLY

The European Parliament is one of the most important democratic assemblies and the only EU institution whose members are directly-elected. It’s role is, mainly, related to three different fields: legislative competencys, control and monitoring the democratic process and budgetary power.

There are 766 Members of the European  Parliament (MEPs) elected by citizens from across the 28 Member States. Since this direct universal suffrage election, the European Parliament has become more powerful and its impact has been increased.

                   Members are elected

                   once every five years.

                

But, how does it work? The plenary sitting is the forum in which MEPs discuss the legislative work done by the commitee and the political groups in order to make citizens’ lives better. Members have to be organised along political groups, once they are elected, and currently there are 7 groups.

The debates take place, usually, in Strasbourg but also in Brussels and Luxembourg and are chaired by the President of the European Parliament, who is also assisted in this task by 14 vice-presidents. The President is the responsible to open the session and control it, calling upon speakers and ensuring that the proceedings are correctly conducted.

Another interesting feature is that the European Parliament is extremely connected with the European Commission and the Council of the European Union due to their aim to facilitate the decision-making progress.

In conclusion, the European Parliament is a crucial institution created in order to improve the EU’s 500 million citizens’ life.