Why bother with Brussels? European Parliament

What is the European Parliament?

The European Parliament is the 'voice of the people'. Members of the European Parliament or MEPs are directly elected by citizens of the European Union (EU) to represent their interests. The European Parliament has passed many laws that have had an impact on our lives such as maximum working hour limits, equal opportunities and non discrimination laws, clear labelling of genetically modified organisms, a ban on animal testing of cosmetics and the recycling of batteries across the EU.

With recent Treaty revisions the Parliament has increased in power to be the only example of a supranational parliament in the world with real law making power. This means the Parliament now shares legislative or law making power equally with the Council in many policy areas, this is know as the codecision procedure. The Parliament also monitors other EU institutions and helps to set the EU's budget.

Why influence the European Parliament?

The European Union is the second most lobbied political body in the world after US Congress and the European Parliament is the first place where proposed EU laws are looked at in more detail and scrutinised by MEPs, this is done primarily through Committees. There are many examples of where Parliament has significantly changed initial proposals from the Commission following a successful lobbying campaign.

Read tips on influencing the European Parliament from campaigners and decision makers.

Further resources

The UK Office of the European Parliament provide a wealth of information on the European Parliament including: Welcome to the European Parliament pack - DVD, introductory leaflets on the Parliament and who sits in it, contact them for copies.

Envisaged as a window on the European Parliament www.europarl.europa.eu contains a variety of information. From following the work of the Parliament - through latest debates and votes to finding out how to submit a petition.