European Parliament: Structure, Functions, and Evolution

Mandate and Composition (Article 14 TEU)

The European Parliament (EP) is composed of approximately 700 parliamentarians, with the total number not exceeding 750. Seats are allocated based on population size, with no Member State (MS) receiving more than 96 seats.

Key Functions

1. Legislative and Budgetary Functions:

◦ No law can pass without the approval of the European Parliament.

◦ The Parliament has significant influence over the EU's budget, ensuring democratic oversight of financial matters.

2. Control of the European Commission:

◦ The EP plays a crucial role in electing the President of the European Commission.

◦ It holds the Commission accountable, ensuring it acts in the EU's interest.

Engagement with National and European Party Politics

• Use of National Parties:

◦ Citizens often base their voting decisions on national party goals rather than on wider EU policies.

◦ This reliance on national parties as proxies for engaging with European party politics can be problematic, as it may not fully represent citizens' views on EU-specific issues.

Evolution of the European Parliament in European Integration

• Prior to the 1980s:

◦ The EP had an almost non-existent role in European integration.

• 1983 Stuttgart Declaration:

◦ Introduced a small consultative role for the EP.

◦ The non-binding opinion of the EP was sought before the appointment of the Commission President.

• 1992 Maastricht Treaty:

◦ Formalised the EP's consultative role, although it remained non-binding.

• 1997 Amsterdam Treaty:

◦ Introduced the requirement for the EP’s approval in the selection of the Commission President.

• 2009 Lisbon Treaty (Article 17(7) TEU):

◦ Established a political link between the EP and the selection of the Commission President, significantly enhancing the EP's role in EU governance.

Conclusion

The European Parliament has evolved significantly from a nearly non-existent role in the early stages of European integration to a powerful legislative body. It now plays a crucial role in shaping EU laws, overseeing the budget, and holding the European Commission accountable. However, the reliance on national parties for European elections remains a challenge, as it may not fully capture the citizens' perspectives on EU-wide policies.