European Parliament
The European Parliament is the elected body of the European Union, with legislative, supervisory, and budgetary responsibilities. The Parliament consists of 751 members elected by the people of the EU member states, representing the second-largest democratic electorate in the world.
THE PARLIAMENT ROLES
LEGISLATIVE
Passing EU laws based on European Commission proposals
Deciding on international agreements
Deciding on enlargements
Reviewing the Commission's work program and asking it to propose legislation
SUPERVISORY
Democratic scrutiny of all EU institutions
Electing the Commission President and approving the Commission as a body
Granting discharge, approving the way EU budgets have been spent
Examining citizen's petitions and setting up inquiries
Discussing monetary policy with the European Central Bank
Questioning Commission and Council
Election observations
BUDGETARY
Establishing the EU budget, together with the Council
Approving the EU's long-term budget, the "Multiannual Financial Framework"