[News Terms] Right-Clicked 'Transnational' Legislative Body 'European Parliament'

The European Parliament is the parliament representing the voters of the 27 member countries of the European Union (EU) and is the only representative body among the main EU institutions that is composed through direct elections. It was first established in 1952 in the form of the Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and was officially founded in 1962 by the Treaty of Paris and the Treaty of Rome. At its inception, the parliament was composed of members of national parliaments from each member country, but since June 1979, it has been elected directly by voters from the 27 member countries through a direct election system.

Photo by European Parliament website

Elections are held every five years using a party-list proportional representation system. Voters cast their ballots for parties rather than individual candidates, and the final winners are determined in the order of candidates listed on the party lists according to the number of seats allocated based on the election results. However, the specific election methods can vary slightly by member country as long as they do not undermine the essence of proportional representation.

The total number of seats is 720, and members are allocated proportionally based on each country's population. Germany holds the most seats with 96. It is followed by France (81 seats), Italy (76 seats), Spain (61 seats), and Poland (53 seats). Cyprus, Luxembourg, and Malta each have 6 seats, the fewest allocated.

Elected members form "political groups" that function like parties based on ideology and political orientation. Political groups are mandated to act for the common interests of the entire EU rather than representing individual countries, and to be recognized as a political group, there must be at least 23 members of parliament from at least seven different countries. The European People's Party (EPP), expected to secure first place with 191 seats (as of 0:00 local time on the 10th), is a center-right group centered on traditional right-wing parties such as Germany's Christian Democratic Union and France's The Republicans. The Conservative Reformists (ECR) and Identity and Democracy (ID), which have increased their seats in this election, are considered far-right. Center-left groups include the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and the liberal Renew Europe (RE).

The powers of the European Parliament have been strengthening since the introduction of direct elections. Unlike its early days when it mainly served as an advisory and supervisory body, it now holds three main powers: legislative authority, advisory and supervisory control over EU institutions, and budget review and approval.

Regarding legislative power, unlike national parliaments, the European Parliament does not have the right to propose laws but can reject or amend proposals made by the European Commission, the EU's executive branch. Consequently, the EU legislative process generally begins with a draft proposal from the Commission, followed by negotiations and agreements between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, and finally, the legislation is confirmed by final approval from both the Parliament and the Council.

The President of the European Commission, elected by the EU Commission, must obtain the consent of the European Parliament to perform their duties. Other commissioners are nominated by member state governments and must be approved by the Parliament upon the Commission President's recommendation. Additionally, the European Parliament shares authority with the Council to decide on the budget proposed by the Commission, allowing it to review, suggest amendments, and even exercise veto power over the budget.