What is the European Parliament ? Be an informed European consumer with InfoCons Consumer Protection on Europe Day 2026
On 9 May each year, we celebrate Europe Day, an important occasion for all the member states of the European Union. This day commemorates the Schuman Declaration of 1950, considered the starting point of the modern European project. Through this declaration, the French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed economic and political cooperation between European states in order to prevent future conflicts and ensure long-term peace across the continent. Today, the European Union stands as a symbol of unity, cooperation, and democratic values, while one of its most important institutions is the European Parliament.
The European Parliament is the institution that directly represents the citizens of the European Union. The Members of the European Parliament, also known as MEPs, are directly elected by citizens from all member states. Currently, the European Parliament is made up of 720 members who represent the interests of European citizens and participate in the decision-making process at the European level.
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Unlike many national parliaments, MEPs are not organised according to nationality, but according to political affiliation. The Parliament includes eight political groups, each bringing together parties and representatives who share similar political values and ideologies. This structure reflects the democratic and pluralistic nature of the European Union.
The President of the European Parliament plays an essential role in coordinating the institution’s activities. At present, this position is held by Roberta Metsola. The President is elected for a renewable term of two and a half years. The President chairs plenary sessions, represents Parliament in international relations, and ensures the proper functioning of legislative activities.
One of the European Parliament’s most important activities is the plenary session. During these sessions, MEPs debate and vote on European laws, discuss important issues affecting citizens, and adopt official positions on various European and international matters. Plenary sessions represent the main forum for democratic debate within the European Union.
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The Parliament’s work is prepared by its 26 specialised parliamentary committees. These committees analyse legislative proposals, discuss amendments, and prepare reports that are later presented during plenary sessions. The areas covered are diverse and include the economy, environment, health, education, security, human rights, and many others. Through these committees, Parliament is able to examine in detail the important issues affecting European citizens.
The European Parliament also has 48 delegations that maintain relations with parliaments in non-EU countries. These delegations contribute to the development of the European Union’s external relations and promote dialogue, cooperation, and parliamentary diplomacy worldwide.
The institution is supported by the Secretariat-General, which provides administrative and technical assistance to MEPs and parliamentary bodies. Since the European Parliament is an international and multilingual institution, the work of organisation and coordination is highly complex.
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The European Parliament has several important powers and responsibilities. First of all, it has legislative powers. Together with the Council of the European Union, Parliament adopts and amends European legislation. Under the ordinary legislative procedure, both institutions act as equal co-legislators. As a result, Parliament plays a decisive role in shaping laws that affect the lives of millions of European citizens.
Secondly, Parliament has budgetary powers. Together with the Council, it participates in approving the annual budget of the European Union. Decisions regarding how European funds are spent must be approved by both institutions.
In addition, Parliament exercises supervisory powers. MEPs oversee the work of the European Commission and other EU institutions to ensure that they operate democratically and respect the interests of citizens. Parliament can ask questions, organise hearings, and investigate important issues.
Another important aspect of the European Parliament is its role in promoting democracy and human rights. Parliament supports freedom of speech, fair elections, and the protection of fundamental rights both in Europe and around the world. Over time, this institution has become an important voice in defending democratic values.
In conclusion, the European Parliament is one of the most important institutions of the European Union and a symbol of European democracy. Through its legislative, budgetary, and supervisory activities, Parliament contributes to the development of the European project and the protection of citizens’ interests. Europe Day, celebrated on 9 May, is a fitting moment to reflect on the importance of European cooperation, peace, and the democratic values that the European Parliament promotes every day.
Signature: InfoCons Communication Department
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