The European Parliament is the directly elected legislative body of the European Union. Representing some 450 million Europeans, it debates, scrutinises and votes on EU legislation. So how exactly does it work?

European election

EU politics

rights of the individual

EU budget

What is the European Parliament?

Debate, decision-making, democratic oversight:

it's the only one that's directly elected –

Members of the European Parliament, MEPs,

the 705 Members of the European Parliament!

How are members of the European Parliament elected?

In direct elections, by Europeans like you!

Elections are organised by the member states

What powers does the European Parliament have?

or reject legislation drawn up by the Commission.

but it can call on the Commission to draft them. 

approving and controlling the EU's seven-year budget.

offering democratic oversight of EU institutions.

MEPs elect the president of the Commission