European Parliament explained - 2024 update

Recent questions

• What is the European Parliament's role?

  The European Parliament serves as one of the key institutions of the European Union, playing a crucial role in the legislative process, budgetary control, and oversight of the European Commission. It is composed of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who are elected every five years, representing various political backgrounds and ideologies. The Parliament's main powers include approving legislation proposed by the European Commission, controlling the EU budget, and having the authority to vote on the Commission's president. Although it cannot propose laws directly, it significantly influences the legislative agenda and can impose conditions on budgetary spending, reflecting its importance in shaping EU policies and priorities.

• How are MEPs elected?

  Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are elected through a democratic process that varies by country, reflecting the population size of each member state. Each country is allocated a minimum of six and a maximum of 96 seats, ensuring that smaller nations have a fair representation in the Parliament. Elections are held every five years, with the next scheduled for June 2024. The voting systems differ across countries; for example, Italy employs regional constituencies, while Belgium mandates compulsory voting, and Ireland allows voters to rank candidates by preference. This diversity in electoral systems can complicate the election process, but it ultimately aims to ensure that the Parliament reflects the political will of the EU's citizens.

• What powers does the European Parliament have?

  The European Parliament wields significant powers within the European Union, primarily in legislative, budgetary, and oversight functions. It plays a vital role in the legislative process by reviewing and approving laws proposed by the European Commission, although it cannot initiate legislation itself. The Parliament also has control over the EU budget, which exceeds €2 trillion for the 2021-2027 period, allowing it to impose conditions on spending and allocate funds for specific purposes, such as support for Ukraine during the ongoing conflict. Additionally, the Parliament has the authority to vote on the appointment of the Commission's president and can dismiss the entire Commission, although this power is rarely exercised. These functions underscore the Parliament's influence in shaping EU policies and governance.

• Where does the European Parliament meet?

  The European Parliament operates across three main locations, which include Luxembourg, Brussels, and Strasbourg. Administrative work is primarily conducted in Luxembourg, while committee meetings and negotiations take place in Brussels, where MEPs collaborate on legislative proposals. Official voting sessions are held in Strasbourg, which is the Parliament's formal seat. This multi-location operation presents logistical challenges, including the need for MEPs to travel frequently between these cities, contributing to a significant carbon footprint. The arrangement reflects the complex nature of EU governance and the efforts to balance representation and operational efficiency within the Parliament.

• What is the significance of MEPs' ideological groups?

  Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are organized into ideological groups rather than by nationality, which plays a crucial role in the legislative process. These groups, formed based on shared political beliefs and agendas, influence the dynamics of negotiations and decision-making within the Parliament. Larger groups tend to wield more power due to their size, allowing them to shape legislative outcomes more effectively. However, smaller groups can still secure important positions and influence through a point-based selection system. This structure fosters collaboration among MEPs with similar ideologies, enabling them to advocate for common interests and priorities, ultimately impacting the legislative landscape of the European Union.