European Parliament
The European Parliament is the only EU institution directly elected by EU citizens, giving it democratic weight. It has four roles: legislative development, supervisory oversight, democratic representation and the budget. It is a co-legislator with the Council but cannot itself propose new legislation - it can only invite the Commission to do so. Three legislative procedures apply (, , ), and on data protection the ordinary procedure applies, guaranteeing Parliament's full influence.
The European Parliament is the only EU institution whose members are directly elected by EU citizens. Under Article 9A of the EU Treaty it has four responsibilities: legislative development, supervisory oversight of other institutions, democratic representation, and development of the budget. It can censure the Commission - even forcing the entire College of Commissioners to resign.
The Parliament cannot propose new legislation of its own accord. It may only invite or call on the Commission to submit a proposal. The right of legislative initiative belongs to the European Commission.
| Procedure | Parliament's role | When used |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary procedure | Equal footing - both Parliament and Council must assent; either can block | Most matters, including data protection |
| Consultation procedure | Council must consult but is not bound by Parliament's opinion | Where Council alone holds legislative power |
| Consent procedure | Parliament's consent is required (cannot amend, only approve/reject) | Particularly important decisions, e.g. EU enlargement |
- For the 2024-2029 term there are 720 MEPs, including the president, from 27 EU countries; the treaties cap Parliament at 750 members plus the president
- No member state may have more than 96 MEPs; minimum 6 per member state
- Elections every five years; MEPs sit in Europe-wide political groups, not national blocs
- A group needs at least 25 members and at least a quarter of member states represented
- Lisbon changed Parliament's default voting from an absolute majority to a simple majority
On data protection, Lisbon requires legislation to be adopted under the ordinary procedure rather than consultation or consent, guaranteeing Parliament's influence. Parliament has frequently been a vocal advocate of privacy, taking a more protective stance than other institutions during the reform that produced the GDPR and LED.
Key terms - quick answers
What is “European Parliament”?
What is “Ordinary procedure”?
What is “Consultation procedure”?
What is “Consent procedure”?
Sources and study method
This independent lesson uses active recall, spaced retrieval and scenario practice. Read the full study method.