European Parliament

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of plenary sessions in the European Parliament?

Debating and voting on new laws (correct)

Negotiating with national governments

Conducting committee meetings

Drafting legislative proposals

Which legislative procedure allows the European Parliament to amend proposals?

Budgetary procedure

Ordinary legislative procedure (correct)

Consent procedure

Consultation procedure

During which month does the European Parliament usually not hold plenary sessions?

July

August (correct)

September

June

What is the role of the European Parliament in the consent procedure?

To approve or reject proposals without amendments Signup and view all the answers

Which treaty introduced the codecision procedure?

Maastricht Treaty Signup and view all the answers

What can the European Parliament do during 'Question Time' with the Commission?

Submit written questions in advance Signup and view all the answers

Which type of report holds more legislative weight within the European Parliament?

Legislative reports under the ordinary legislative procedure Signup and view all the answers

How many seats are there in the European Parliament?

720 Signup and view all the answers

What is the term length for the President of the European Parliament?

Two and a half years Signup and view all the answers

What is required to form a political group in the European Parliament?

A minimum of 23 MEPs from at least one quarter of the member states Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following political groups is NOT currently represented in the European Parliament?

Libertarian Alliance Signup and view all the answers

What role does the President of the European Parliament NOT perform?

Manages the parliamentary committee setup Signup and view all the answers

How many permanent committees does the European Parliament have?

20 Signup and view all the answers

Which group is known for having a progressive stance within the European Parliament?

The Left Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do political groups in the European Parliament enjoy?

Greater influence on the parliamentary agenda Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

European Parliament Structure and Elections

Comprises 720 seats, elected every five years through direct elections.
Current parliamentary term commenced in June 2024.

Presidency of the European Parliament

The President is elected by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) for a renewable term of two and a half years.
Represents Parliament externally and in inter-institutional relations, chairs plenary sessions, and ensures adherence to Rules of Procedure.
Signs the EU budget post-adoption and legislative acts passed under the ordinary legislative procedure.

Political Groups

MEPs are organized into eight political groups based on affiliation, not nationality.
Forming a political group requires a minimum of 23 MEPs from at least one quarter of member states (currently 7).
Non-attached MEPs are those not affiliated with any political group.
Political groups manage internal organization, appoint chairs, and influence parliamentary committees and delegations.

Major Political Groups

Left: Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D)
Greens/EFA: The Greens / European Free Alliance
Liberal: Renew Europe
Center-right: European People’s Party (EPP)
Right: European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR)
Nationalist: Patriots for Europe
Sovereignist: Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN)

Legislative Process

Operates in 20 permanent committees, with all MEPs contributing.
Proposals for new EU laws are introduced by the European Commission, discussed in committees, and voted on.
Whole Parliament votes during plenary sessions.

Plenary Sessions

Occurs monthly in Strasbourg, excluding August, lasting four days.
Focuses on debates and voting on legislative reports, budgetary procedures, and non-legislative reports.
Only texts adopted in plenary constitute formal acts of the European Parliament.

Types of Parliamentary Texts

Legislative reports: Examined under various procedures, with ordinary legislative procedure granting equal legislative power to Parliament with the Council.
Budgetary authority: European Parliament and Council jointly determine EU expenditure and revenue annually.
Non-legislative reports: Issued on initiatives within parliamentary committees, aiming to influence other institutions.

Question Time

Allocated for MEPs to question the Council and Commission, held weekly.
Questions must be submitted in advance for admissibility by the President of the European Parliament.

Legislative Procedures

Ordinary Legislative Procedure (Co-decision): Equal power between Parliament and Council to amend, approve, or reject legislation; constitutes most EU law enactment.
Consent Procedure: Parliament can approve or reject proposals without amendments, used for significant EU decisions like international agreements.
Consultation Procedure: Advisory role for Parliament on proposals, with final decisions resting solely with the Council, applicable in specific areas like taxation and competition law.

History of Legislative Procedures

Ordinary Legislative Procedure: Established by the Maastricht Treaty (1992), enhanced by the Amsterdam Treaty (1999), and solidified as the main legislative process by the Lisbon Treaty (2009).
Consultation and Consent Procedures: Used for specific legislative processes; while consultation is advisory, consent allows Parliament to block proposals but not amend them, enhancing its role in democratic oversight.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers key aspects of the European Parliament's structure and electoral process for the term 2024-2029. Learn about the responsibilities of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and the role of the President of the European Parliament. Test your knowledge on the election procedures and functions of this important EU institution.