EUROPEAN PARLiAMENT

KAMILA SZYMCZAK, ANNA LANDA, WIKTOR KOWALCZYK

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 Contents

Table of contents:

1.Organization
a. The President
b. Members
c. Political groups
d. Delegations
e. Political bodies
f. Secretariat
2. Parliament’s budget
3. Multilingualism
4. Ecological footprint
5. How does the Parliament work?
a. Committees (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/about-
parliament/en/organisation-and-rules/organisation/committees)
b. Plenary sessions (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/about-
parliament/en/organisation-and-rules/how-plenary-works)
6. What does the European Parliament do? (
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/about-parliament/en/powers-and-
procedures)
a. Legislative powers
b. Budgetary powers
c. Supervisory powers
7. National Parliaments
8. The Lisbon Treaty
9. Democracy and human rights within European Parliament
a. Protecting fundamental rights in the EU
b. Defending human rights beyond the EU
c. Supporting democracy around the globe
 1. ORGANIZATION

PRESIDENT OF EU PARLIAMENT
From January 2022, Roberta Metsola is the president of the European Parliament. She is, a
politician from Malta affiliated with the Nationalist Party (PN) and the European People's
Party (EPP), entered the European Parliament as a Member of the European Parliament
(MEP) in 2013. In November 2020, she assumed the role of First Vice-President of the
European Parliament. After the unfortunate passing of the then-president David Sassoli,
Metsola, on January 18, 2022, was elected as the
President of the European Parliament. This historic
appointment marked her as the youngest person to ever
hold the position (she was 42 years old), the first
Maltese individual to do so, and the first female
president since 2002.
The President, chosen for a renewable term lasting two
and a half years—equivalent to half of the Parliament's
lifespan—serves as the representative of the European
Parliament to external entities and manages its
interactions with other EU institutions.
Responsibilities include supervising the Parliament's
activities, its subcommittees, and overseeing plenary debates to ensure compliance with
Parliament's Rules of Procedure. Additionally, at the commencement of each European
Council meeting, the President articulates the Parliament's standpoint and concerns regarding
the agenda items and other relevant topics.
Upon Parliament's approval of the European Union's budget, the President formally endorses
it, making it operational. Moreover, the President, along with the President of the Council,
jointly signs all legislative acts adopted through the ordinary legislative procedure.

MEMBERS
The European Union (EU) comprises 27 nations, forming an economic and political alliance
with an internal market that facilitates the unrestricted movement of goods, capital, services,
and people among its member states.
The member countries of the EU are:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
In addition to EU member states, the European Economic Area (EEA) extends this single
market concept to include Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, allowing them to participate in
the advantages of the EU's single market.
While Switzerland is not a member of the EU or EEA, it is integrated into the single market.
As a result, Swiss nationals enjoy the same rights to reside and work in the UK as other
individuals from the European Economic Area.

POLITICAL GROUPS
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are organized into political groups based on
their political affiliations rather than their nationalities. Currently, there are seven political
groups in the European Parliament. To form a political group, a minimum of 23 Members is
required, and representation from at least one-quarter of the Member States must be present
within the group. Members are not allowed to be part of more than one political group. Those
who are not affiliated with any political group are referred to as non-attached Members.
Each political group manages its internal affairs by appointing a chair (or two co-chairs in
certain cases), a bureau, and a secretariat. The seating arrangement in the Chamber is
determined by political affiliation, from left to right, in agreement with the group chairs.
Before each plenary vote, political groups review reports from parliamentary committees and
propose amendments. The group's stance on issues is determined through discussions, and no
Member is compelled to vote in a specific manner.

The seven political groups in the European Parliament are:

1.Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
2. Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament
3. Renew Europe Group
4. Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance
5. European Conservatives and Reformists Group
6. Identity and Democracy Group
7. The Left group in the European Parliament - GUE/NGL

DELEGATIONS
The national delegations within the Committee of the Regions (CoR) consist of CoR members
representing each of the 27 EU countries. These delegations are designed to mirror the overall
political, geographical, and local/regional balance within each Member State.
The appointment of CoR members is officially carried out by the Council of the European
Union, based on proposals submitted by the respective Member States. Collectively, these
members contribute to the 329-member CoR assembly, which convenes several times a year
in Brussels to engage in discussions about political priorities and to adopt opinions on EU
legislation.
Within each national delegation, a chairman is elected, and a coordinator is appointed. The
coordinators play a crucial role in facilitating communication between the CoR administration
and the members of their respective national delegation.
Example of the number of members of delegations from different countries:
Belgium: 12 members
Germany: 24 members
Poland: 21 members
Spain: 21 members
Denmark: 9 members

POLITICAL BODIES AND INSTITUTIONS

The European Union (EU) possesses a distinctive institutional framework, continually
adapting its decision-making system. Dispersed across the EU, there are seven main
institutions, seven EU bodies, and over 30 decentralized agencies collaborating to address
shared interests of the EU and its citizens. In terms of administration, an additional 20 EU
agencies and organizations with specific legal functions, along with four interinstitutional
services, support the institutions in their various roles. These establishments contribute to
tasks ranging from the development of EU laws and policy-making to the implementation of
policies, focusing on specialized areas like health, medicine, transport, and the environment.
The key decision-making institutions, collectively providing policy direction and participating
in the law-making process, include:
1. European Parliament (located in Brussels, Strasbourg, Luxembourg)
2. European Council (based in Brussels)
3. Council of the European Union (situated in Brussels and Luxembourg)
4. European Commission (headquartered in Brussels and Luxembourg, with
representations across the EU)
Additionally, other institutions and bodies:
1. Court of Justice of the European Union
2. European Central Bank
3. European Court of Auditors
The EU institutions and bodies collaborate extensively with a network of EU agencies and
organizations throughout the European Union, whose primary role is to translate policies into
practical outcomes. The powers, responsibilities, and procedures of these institutions are
defined in the founding treaties of the EU, including the Treaty on the Functioning of the
European Union (1957) and the Treaty on European Union (1992), with later amendments
introduced by the Lisbon Treaty (2007).
SECRETARIAT
The Secretariat-General holds the responsibility for maintaining the overall coherence of the
Commission's efforts, playing a crucial role in shaping new policies and guiding them through
the various EU institutions. It provides comprehensive support to the entire Commission.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Institutional Affairs:
Coordinate and steer the Commission's work to ensure alignment with the political priorities
set by the President.
Manage the decision-making process within the Commission.
Serve as the intermediary between the Commission and other EU institutions and bodies.
Ensure the Commission benefits from an efficient, transparent, and high-performing
administration.
2. Policy Development:
Take a lead in developing policies related to specific cross-cutting areas, including the
European Semester for economic policy coordination.
Oversee the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism for Bulgaria and Romania.
Play a significant role in shaping various corporate policies, such as the Commission's Better
Regulation agenda.

In essence, the Secretariat-General acts as the linchpin, ensuring the Commission's initiatives
align with strategic political priorities, facilitating smooth decision-making processes, and
fostering effective collaboration with other EU institutions and bodies. Additionally, it
spearheads policy development in critical areas, contributing to the Commission's overall
effectiveness and transparency.

PARLIAMENT’S BUDGET
The European Union's budget serves as the financial backbone for EU funding programs,
including initiatives like the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund,
Horizon Europe, and Erasmus+, as well as other collective expenditures at the European level.
Primarily designed as an investment budget, it constitutes approximately 2% of the total EU
public spending. The primary objective is to complement national budgets, functioning as a
tool to implement mutually agreed-upon priorities among all EU member states. The EU
budget strives to add European value by supporting actions that, in accordance with the
principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, can achieve greater effectiveness compared to
actions taken at the national, regional, or local levels.
For the period 2014–2020, the EU
had a long-term budget of €1,082.5
billion, representing 1.02% of the
Gross National Income (GNI) of the
EU-28. The subsequent long-term
budget for 2021–2027 is set at
€1,074.3 billion. This extended
financial framework, known as the
Multiannual Financial Framework,
spans seven years, providing the EU
with a strategic plan for long-term
projects and investments.

Initially centered on funding

agriculture, the EU budget's focus
evolved over the years. In the 1980s
and 1990s, changes in the Union's
founding Treaties, facilitated by
Member States and the European
Parliament, broadened EU
competences. Recognizing the
necessity to support the emerging
single market, resources under the Structural Funds were increased to foster economic, social,
and territorial cohesion. Simultaneously, the EU expanded its role in various areas such as
transport, space, health, education, culture, consumer protection, environment, research,
justice cooperation, and foreign policy.
Since the year 2000, the European Union's budget has undergone adjustments to
accommodate the accession of 13 new Member States with diverse socioeconomic situations.
Subsequent EU strategies have been implemented to bolster employment, foster growth, and
enhance initiatives for the younger generation, exemplified by the Youth Employment
Initiative and Erasmus+. In 2015, the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI),
commonly known as the "Juncker plan," was established to fortify investments within the EU.
The predominant portion of the EU budget, constituting approximately 70% for the period
2014–2020, is allocated to agriculture and regional development. During this timeframe, 39%
of EU spending is earmarked for agriculture, a notable reduction from the 70% spent in 1985.
The significant share allocated to farming is attributed to it being the only policy primarily
funded from the common budget, effectively replacing a considerable portion of national
expenditure.
The second-largest share of EU spending, around 34% for the period 2014–2020, is dedicated
to regional development. This funding plays a crucial role in supporting key investment
projects, with European funding accounting for up to 80% of public investment in some EU
countries, particularly those with limited means. Importantly, EU regional spending is not
exclusive to supporting poorer regions; it contributes to the economies of all EU countries.
Approximately 6% of the EU budget is allocated for the administration of all European
institutions. This encompasses various aspects such as staff salaries, pensions, infrastructure,
information technology, training programs, translation services, and the operation of the
European School system, which provides education for the children of EU staff.

The European Union derives its income from various sources, including:
1. Traditional Own Resources:
Comprising customs duties imposed on imports from outside the EU.
Inclusive of sugar levies.
2. VAT-Based Resources:
Involves a percentage (typically 0.3%, except for Germany, Netherlands, and Sweden, which
apply 0.15%) of each Member State's standardized value-added tax (VAT) base.
3. GNI-Based Resources:
Comprises a percentage (approximately 0.7%) of the gross national income (GNI) of each
member state.
4. Other Revenue:
Includes diverse sources such as taxes generated from EU staff salaries.
Encompasses bank interest, fines, and contributions from third countries.
5. Own Resources as Levies Collected by the EU:
Involves levies collected directly by the EU as a source of income.
These revenue streams collectively contribute to the EU budget, allowing the Union to fund
its programs, initiatives, and various expenditures, ensuring the effective functioning and
implementation of EU policies.

MULTILINGUALISM
Multilingualism refers to the practice of using multiple languages, either by an individual or
within a community of speakers. It is observed that individuals proficient in more than one
language outnumber those who speak only a single language worldwide. A significant
majority of Europeans, exceeding half of the population, assert their ability to communicate in
at least one language besides their native tongue. However, many individuals predominantly
read and write in a single language. Embracing multilingualism offers distinct advantages for
those seeking engagement in trade, globalization, and fostering cultural openness.
Multilingualism within the European Union (EU) not only serves as an expression of cultural
identities among member countries but also plays a crucial role in upholding democratic
principles, transparency, and accountability. A unique aspect of this commitment is that no
legislation can be enacted until it is translated into all official languages and published in the
Official Journal of the EU. Importantly, any alterations to the EU language regime require
unanimous approval in the Council of the EU.
While the EU actively promotes language learning, the influence over educational and
language policies rests with individual member countries. In 2016, statistics revealed that over
one-third (35.4%) of adults in the EU-28 did not possess knowledge of any foreign languages.
Similarly, approximately 35.2% knew one foreign language, while around 21% claimed
proficiency in two foreign languages.
The European Parliament is steadfast in its commitment to fostering multilingualism within
its operations. With 24 official languages representing the EU's public face, the total number
of linguistic combinations reaches 552, considering each language's translation into the 23
others. To facilitate this, over 600 staff members handle translation services, and more than
270 are engaged in interpreting for the 705 Members of the European Parliament.
Internally, the EU institutions predominantly utilize three working languages: English,
French, and German. Despite the comprehensive language services provided, the overall cost
for translation and interpreting services in the EU institutions amounts to around €1 billion
annually, constituting less than 1% of the EU budget or slightly over €2 per citizen. This
investment ensures effective communication and accessibility across linguistic diversities
within the EU.

ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT

The ecological footprint serves as a metric to assess human dependence on natural resources
by measuring the environmental impact of a particular lifestyle or business. It essentially
quantifies the extent to which humans utilize resources from their environment. In more
straightforward terms, the ecological footprint signifies the pressure exerted by humans on the
available natural resources in their surroundings. Expressed in global hectares (gha), this
measurement helps professionals gauge the land area needed to adequately support each
individual's requirements.
It is a balance between human demand and the supply provided by nature. Widely used to
evaluate the sustainability of various entities, be it a region, an individual, or a business, the
ecological footprint provides insights into the environmental implications of our consumption
patterns and resource utilization.

The collective ecological footprint of the 27 EU Member States and the UK is considerably
high, exceeding the biocapacity available in the region by more than twice. This substantial
footprint indicates that the total demand for ecological goods and services in the region far
surpasses the ecosystems' capacity to produce valuable biological products and absorb carbon
emissions. Such a significant ecological deficit poses environmental risks both within and
beyond Europe.
https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/indicators/ecological-footprint-of-european-countries

The ecological footprint of the EU-27 and the UK experienced a rapid increase during the
1960s and 1970s, remaining relatively constant since the 1980s, with a slight decrease
between 2010 and 2016. Over the same period, the region's total biocapacity showed only
marginal growth. Consequently, between 1961 and 2016, the ecological deficit in the region
expanded, with the ecological footprint now more than twice the biocapacity. This deficit may
lead countries with high ecological demands to deplete their own ecological capital, rely on
other nations' biocapacity, or exploit global commons.

https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/indicators/ecological-footprint-of-european-countries
Europe's substantial ecological deficit has potential global implications, contributing to the
degradation of ecological assets, depletion of natural capital, loss of biodiversity, and the
collapse of ecosystems. On a global scale, nations or regions cannot sustainably act as net
importers, and those depending on increasingly scarce imports risk losing their supply due to
competition. A global ecological deficit cannot be offset through trade and signifies the
depletion of natural capital. Europe is not alone in facing such challenges, as North America,
the Asia-Pacific region, Africa, and the Middle East/Central Asia region also exhibit
ecological deficits. In contrast, Latin America stands out as the only region with a
significantly larger biocapacity than its ecological footprint, emphasizing the importance of
sustainable resource management.