European Parliament and Council: Roles and Functions

European Parliament: The Directly Elected EU Body

The European Parliament (EP) is the only directly elected institution of the European Union.

Competences and Functions

• Legislative Powers
  • Pass laws with the Council based on Commission proposals.
  • Propose laws.
  • Decide on international agreements.
• Supervisory Powers
  • Provide oversight of EU institutions.
  • Handle citizens' petitions and inquiries.
  • Elect the Commission President.
  • Question the Commission and Council.
• Budgetary Powers
  • Establish the budget with the Council.
  • Approve the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

Institutional Relations

• EU heads of state propose a candidate for Commission President, considering European election results; the candidate is elected by the EP.
• Parliament must approve the appointment of the Commission (President and college of commissioners).
• The EP can censure the Commission and ultimately dismiss it.
• Commissioners are often asked to defend their policies before the Parliament.
• Parliament can request the Court to take action against the Commission or Council if they act contrary to the spirit of EU law.

Composition and Structure

The Parliament consists of 751 Members (MEPs). Representation is proportional to population (minimum 6, maximum 96 per country), and members are grouped by political affiliation rather than nationality.

To facilitate preparatory work, members are divided into 20 specialized standing committees. Each committee consists of 25 to 71 MEPs, led by a chair, a bureau, and a secretariat, reflecting the political make-up of the plenary assembly.

Council of the European Union

1. Negotiates and adopts EU laws: Co-decision with the EP based on Commission proposals.
2. Coordinates member states’ policies: Responsible for economic and fiscal policies, education, culture, youth, sport, and employment.
3. Develops common foreign and security policy: Defines and implements policy based on European Council guidelines, covering defense, humanitarian aid, and trade.
4. Concludes international agreements: Provides the mandate for the Commission to negotiate on behalf of the EU.
5. Adopts the EU budget: Co-decision with the EP.

Council Operations

• Configurations: There are 10 Council configurations where competent ministers participate based on the subject matter (e.g., ECOFIN).
• Efficiency: Approximately 90% of agreements are reached at the level of COREPER and the Council of Ministers.
• Voting Mechanisms:
  • Unanimity: Required for sensitive matters (CFSP, citizenship, EU membership, finances). Abstention does not prevent adoption.
  • Qualified Majority: Requires 55% of member states representing at least 65% of the EU population (standard for ~80% of decisions).
  • Simple Majority: Used for non-legislative votes (15 out of 28).