The European Parliament is the only EU institution directly elected by citizens. It is composed of over 700 members, whose role is to debate, shape and pass laws that are then implemented by the Member States of the European Union.

 

You may think that these decisions have little to do with our daily lives. But the truth is, they touch nearly every aspect of it – from the food we eat to the air we breathe, and even the rights we enjoy as citizens. The Erasmus+ programme is also a result of the EU action to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe.

 

In short, here are the 3 main roles of the European Parliament:

  • legislative: the European Parliament passes EU laws, together with the Council of the EU, based on European Commission’s proposals.
  • supervisory: the European Parliament is a guardian for democracy, watching over the other EU institutions. It elects the Commission President and approves the Commission as a body, can vote a motion of censure, obliging the Commission to resign, examines citizens' petitions and observes elections.
  • budgetary: the European Parliament establishes the EU budget, together with the Council of the European Union.

 

Learn more about the European Parliament.