Whatdoes the parliament do

Answer 1

Broadly, the European Parliament exists to ensure that the interests of the average citizens are represented at the decision-making level in the European Union.

More specifically, it has 3 big powers that it exercises. The first is the power of legislation. Through co-decision (aka Ordinary Legislative Procedure), the European Parliament passes all legislation of the EU. The second big power is the power of oversight over the other European institutions. It appoints all new commissioners and the President of the commission, and is allowed to ask questions to both the Commission and Council. Parliament can examine all petitions sent to the Commission, can call for the mass resignation of the Commission, and the President of Parliament gives a speech before meetings of the European Council outlining Parliament's view on each of their agenda items. The third big power is the power of the purse. Parliament has a main role in setting the annual budget, and it cannot be passed without the signature of the President of Parliament. Also, the Parliament can examine the expenditures of the Commission.

The European Parliament meets at least 20 times per year to discuss various policy issues of the European Union. It has three primary sections of discussion.

1. Legislation: All legislation of the EU must be passed by parliament using co-decision or ordinary legislative procedure.

2. Oversight: Parliament acts as a check on other European institutions.

3. Budget: The budget of the EU must be passed through Parliament