The EP stands to gain the most from the Lisbon Treaty. Not only will the number of MEPs increase, but also their powers to decide together with the Council on matters such as agriculture, justice and home affairs, and the budget. The EP's political contro

How It Works: What will the Lisbon Treaty change for the European Parliament?

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/14921888/A008-00022-EN.srt

Hi. My name is Jonathan,   and I'm from Denmark.

What will the Lisbon Treaty   change for the European Parliament?

The EP will gain the most   from the Lisbon Treaty.

Its influence on EU decision-making   will increase considerably.

Under the Nice Treaty the Council carried   the most weight in legislative procedures.

The Lisbon Treaty establishes a balance   between the two institutions.

In justice and home affairs,   for example,

the EP will carry more weight   in asylum and immigration matters.

the Lisbon Treaty gives the EP   far greater co-decision powers

in matters that were reserved for   the Commission or the Member States

like agriculture,   justice and home affairs.

Same thing for   the adoption of the annual budget:

the Council will need   the agreement of the Parliament.

There are now 736 MEPs.   In 2014, barring new changes,

EU citizens will be   represented by 754 MEPs.

The role of the EP will also be reinforced   in terms of political control.

The EP will elect the Commission   President on the proposal of the Council.

This will give more weight   to the votes of EU citizens.

They can influence the political colour   of the Commission President,

and the political choices   of the College of Commissioners.

Lisbon also foresees greater participation   in EU politics by national parliaments,

Citizens' initiative will help involve   citizens more in European politics.

By gathering a million signatures   from at least 5-6 Member States

citizens can ask the Commission   to propose a draft law.

Then it'll be up to the Parliament   to vote on these proposals.

The EP is the only EU institution to   be elected by direct universal suffrage.

However, it has not yet obtained   all of its democratic dimensions.

The EP is still often critised for its   lack of authority.

With the Lisbon Treaty   things should change.

It remains to be seen how the MEPs   will take control of their new powers.