The European Parliament is one of the seven institutions of the European Union, which is a political and economic union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe. The Parliament is a directly elected body of the EU, representing the interests of EU citizens and holding legislative and supervisory powers within the Union.
The European Parliament has its main seat in Strasbourg, France, but also has additional offices in Brussels, Belgium, and Luxembourg. The Parliament is composed of 705 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), who are elected in their home countries through proportional representation every five years. The number of MEPs for each country is based on its population, with the largest countries having the most MEPs.
The Parliament is responsible for approving legislation proposed by the European Commission, the EU’s executive branch, as well as the EU budget and the appointment of key EU officials, such as the President of the European Commission. The Parliament also has the power to hold the Commission and other EU institutions accountable, including through the ability to initiate investigations and censure motions.
In addition to its legislative and supervisory functions, the European Parliament plays an important role in promoting democracy and human rights in the EU and beyond. The Parliament regularly hosts conferences and debates on issues of European and global importance, and its members are active in promoting democratic values and human rights in other countries through the EU’s foreign policy.
Overall, the European Parliament is a vital institution within the European Union, representing the voices of its citizens and working to promote democratic values and advance the interests of the Union as a whole.