El Parlamento Europeo

Abstract

This article undertakes a summary explanation of the European Parliament (EP), the only EU Institution elected by universal suffrage by 450 million European citizens across 27 Member States. Therefore, EP does not show any democratic deficit or lack of powers: it is EU budgetary authority; European legislator; it legitimises and controls the European Commission by investing its Presidency and the entire College; it examines each of its Commissioners-designate with its examination and vote before they take office; and it can force them to resign by a collective vote of censure. However, despite its transparency and accessibility, both in presence and by technology, there is still a lack of visibility and communication with the citizens represented by EP. This article analyses this distinctive features of EP, addressing issues such as its election, structure, organisation, dual seat, and members’ prerogatives and immunities, legislative procedure and decision-making, including some thoughts on its ongoing political debates around its present and future developments.