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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.