The European Parliament is the legislative branch of the European Union and one of the three main institutions of the bloc, along with the European Commission, which is the executive branch, and the European Council, which is made up of ministers from the governments of the 27 members. . state.
The parliament is based primarily in Brussels, Belgium, but moves about once a month to Strasbourg, France.
It is the only EU institution where representatives are directly elected and MEPs pass laws that apply across the bloc. For any legislation to be implemented, both the council and parliament must agree.
One of the most crucial functions of parliament is to approve the composition of the commission, which is ultimately responsible for the political direction of the world's largest trading bloc, and has the final say on who is appointed president of the commission. The top job is currently held by Germany's Ursula von der Leyen, who is seeking a second term at the helm.
Parliament also has final approval of the billions of euros allocated in the EU budget. He often has the final say on important political issues, such as the budget, trade, and sanctions on foreign citizens.
Parliament can also freeze important international goals. For example, a comprehensive mutual investment agreement between the EU and China is effectively on hold while some MEPs are under sanctions from China. Parliament as a whole has refused to move forward on the deal until sanctions are lifted.
