European Parliament

Definition

The European Parliament is the directly elected legislative body of the European Union (EU), representing the citizens of the EU member states. It plays a crucial role in shaping EU policy and legislation, working alongside the European Commission and the Council of the European Union, thus having significant political and economic implications for regional integration.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The European Parliament is composed of 705 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who are elected every five years by EU citizens.
2. It has significant powers, including co-decision on legislation with the Council of the European Union, which means it can amend, reject, or approve proposed laws.
3. The Parliament also influences the EU budget and oversees other EU institutions, ensuring accountability and transparency within the governance structure.
4. Political groups in the Parliament reflect a range of ideologies, with major groups including the European People's Party (EPP), Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), and Renew Europe (RE).
5. Through its work, the European Parliament promotes regional integration by addressing transnational issues like climate change, migration, and human rights across member states.

Review Questions

• How does the European Parliament interact with other EU institutions like the European Commission and the Council of the European Union?
  • The European Parliament collaborates closely with both the European Commission and the Council of the European Union. While the Commission proposes new legislation, it is up to the Parliament and the Council to debate, amend, and ultimately approve these proposals. This co-decision process ensures that both citizens' interests and member states' perspectives are considered in EU law-making, highlighting how integrated these institutions are in promoting regional policies.
• Discuss how the powers of the European Parliament have evolved over time and their impact on regional integration.
  • Over time, the powers of the European Parliament have expanded significantly through various treaties such as Maastricht, Amsterdam, and Lisbon. These changes have allowed the Parliament to participate more actively in legislative processes and budget approval. As a result, it has become a vital player in shaping policies that enhance regional integration, addressing issues like trade regulations and environmental standards which directly affect all member states.
• Evaluate the role of political groups within the European Parliament in influencing EU policies and their implications for regional integration.
  • Political groups in the European Parliament play a critical role in shaping EU policies by bringing together MEPs from various member states who share similar ideological perspectives. The influence of these groups can lead to significant shifts in policy direction on issues such as immigration, economic reforms, or climate action. This collective bargaining power not only reflects diverse viewpoints but also strengthens regional integration by fostering cooperation among member states to address common challenges effectively.

Related terms

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

Council of the European Union: The main decision-making body of the EU that represents the governments of member states, working alongside the European Parliament in shaping legislation.

Supranationalism: A form of international cooperation where countries give up some degree of sovereignty to a higher authority, like the EU, to achieve common goals.