European Parliament

The European Parliament: A Cornerstone of the European Union

About the European Parliament

The European Parliament (EP) is a legislative body within the European Union (EU). It constitutes one of the seven key EU institutions, alongside the Council of the European Union.

Functions and Responsibilities

The primary function of the EP is to jointly exercise legislative authority for the EU, along with the Council of the EU. Additionally, the EP plays a significant role in the following areas: * Approving the EU budget * Ratifying international agreements * Overseeing the work of the European Commission * Monitoring the human rights situation within the EU * Providing a platform for political debates and discussions

Directly Elected Body

The EP holds a unique position as the EU's only directly elected institution. Its 705 members represent the citizens of the EU and are elected for a five-year term.

Political Forum

The EP serves as an essential forum for political debate and decision-making at the EU level. Members of the EP represent diverse political parties and ideological perspectives, ensuring a broad range of views and interests are considered in EU policymaking.

Conclusion

The European Parliament is a vital institution within the European Union, representing the voices of EU citizens and shaping the laws and policies that govern their lives. By ensuring democratic accountability and fostering political debate, the EP plays a crucial role in upholding the principles of transparency, legitimacy, and democratic governance in the EU.