European Parliament Overview

Introduction

• The European Parliament (EP) is the EU's first institution and the world's largest transnational democratic electorate.
• Second largest democratic electorate after India's parliament.
• Not widely understood by the public.
• Last Crown Prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Melini's granddaughter, and Boris Johnson's dad were all MEPs.

Composition

• As of June 2024, the EP will have 720 Members of European Parliament (MEPs).
• MEPs are elected officials from EU member states.
• Headed by a President and 14 Vice Presidents.
• Diversity in political representation: Communists, nationalists, policy experts, politicians, even musicians.
• Seats are apportioned by population, but citizens of smaller countries are better represented.
  • Example: A Maltese seat represents ~88,000 people, while a German seat represents ~900,000.
• Voting rules vary by country, e.g., Italy has regional constituencies, Ireland allows voting by preference.

European Groups

• MEPs are grouped by ideology, not nationality, in European groups.
• Powerful National parties within groups, e.g., German conservatives, French liberals.
• Influence distribution among groups is like a game where groups choose positions based on points.
• Non-attached members have less influence.

Powers of the European Parliament

Legislative Power

• EP amends proposals from the European Commission (EC) but cannot propose laws.
• Can wield power by suggesting amendments to EC proposals.
• No say in legislation on taxation, defense, or education.

Budgetary Power

• EP must approve the EU budget and discharge the previous year's budget.
• Influences EU finances before and after money is spent.

Controlling Power

• EP votes on the EU Commission's president and commissioners.
• Can dismiss the Commission, though it's rarely used.

Committees and Work Structure

• Most work done in smaller groups called committees.
• 20 permanent committees with 25 to 73 MEPs each.
• Key roles: Rapporteurs and Shadow Rapporteurs represent group positions on legislation.
• Trialogues involve negotiation between the EP, Council, and Commission.

Locations of Work

• Administrative work in Luxembourg.
• MEPs work in Brussels 3 weeks/month, in Strasbourg 1 week/month for plenaries.
• Movement between locations is costly and impacts carbon footprint.

Conclusion

• EP has grown more powerful but has room for improvement.
• Understanding the EP helps in engaging with EU democracy.
• Invitation to learn more through videos or support via Patreon.