EP

Question 1

EP- when was it created?

Answer 1

Paris Treaty, as Common Assembly of the ECSC

Question 2

when was it first directly elected?

Answer 2

1979

Question 3

3 areas of power (EP)

Answer 3

-legislative work (OLP/SLP)
-internal politics
-representative role (link between the electorate and decision-making processes

Question 4

EP- responsibilities

Answer 4

-influence on EU Budget (Lisbon): bicameral budgetary authority (together with the Council)

• scrutinize/ appoint/dismiss the Commission (Maastricht); (Lisbon)- art. 17.7. Candidate is elected via absolute majority of MEPs

-amend and veto powers on Commission’s proposals (Lisbon): acts as co-legislator with the Council under the OLP

Question 5

EP- 3 voting modes

Answer 5

• simple majority
  -QMV (Commission President appointment)
• 2/3 majority (dismissal of the College; treaty amendments)

Question 6

“own initiative” report

Answer 6

request to the Commission to put forward a specific legislative proposal

Question 7

EP structure

Answer 7

-currently, 705 MEPs, divided in 7 political groups
-each MEP is assigned to a committee (policy area-based)

Question 8

requirements to form a political group

Answer 8

25 MEPs representing 1/4 of MS

Question 9

how do committees work?

Answer 9

-MEPs select a rapporteur and a shadow rapporteur, which have to draft a report for the rest of the EP/ negotiate with the Council
-the plenary then considers it and can amend it and/or adopt it

Question 10

where are Plenary sessions held?

Answer 10

Brussels; Strasbourg

Question 11

Special committees

Answer 11

-temporal
-inquiring

Question 12

How are MEPs elected?

Answer 12

directly- every 5 years
based on proportional representation

Question 13

Parliementarization theory/ demoi-cratic perspective

Answer 13

1) increase in EP power will continue to grow indefinitely
2) As legitimation is based on two demoi (EU citizens and MSs), Council will never be dominated by the EP