Europaparlamentet

EuropaParlamentet is the democratically elected legislative body of the European Union. It represents EU citizens and shares legislative power with the Council of the European Union under the ordinary legislative procedure. The Parliament also exercises democratic oversight of other EU institutions, notably the European Commission.

Composition and elections: The Parliament is composed of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) elected for five-year terms in direct elections in the 27 member states. Since the United Kingdom’s withdrawal, the body has 705 MEPs. Seats are allocated to reflect population sizes and regional considerations, while political groups form cross-party caucuses to organize debate and policy work.

Powers and procedures: It is a co-legislator in a wide range of EU laws and policies, adopting legislation together with the Council under the Ordinary Legislative Procedure. It shares the annual EU budget with the Council and exercises budgetary scrutiny. The Parliament approves or dismisses the European Commission and can demand changes or resignation; it can also approve international agreements that require consent and conducts inquiries and other oversight activities over the executive branch.

Structure and leadership: The Parliament is led by a President elected by MEPs for a term of two and a half years (renewable). It operates through around 20 standing committees and several subcommittees, plus political groups including the major factions such as the EPP, S&D, Renew Europe, Greens/EFA, ECR, The Left, and others. Plenary sessions take place in Strasbourg, while most committee work occurs in Brussels; the Secretariat is based in Luxembourg.

History: The body traces its origins to the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1952 and gained direct elections in 1979. Its powers expanded through successive treaties, with the Lisbon Treaty (2009) granting it greater legislative authority and budgetary influence, strengthening democratic legitimacy within the EU system.

Notes: EuropaParlamentet is the language-specific designation used for the European Parliament in certain contexts.