P3; CH4: European Parliament

Question 1

European Parliament in general

Answer 1

The EP sits in Strasbourg and its activity is governed by the Members of the European Parliaments (MEPs).

Question 2

How was the Assembly different from today’s EP?

Answer 2

The Assembly had a different name and was composed of Delegated Members of national parliaments. Thanks to STATUS CIVITATIS, every citizen can now vote for the EP members

Question 3

What does EU STATUS CIVITATIS implies?

Answer 3

1) Right to move and reside in other MS
2) Right to vote and stand for elections
3) Right to diplomatic and consular protection in third countries
4) Right to petition to the EP or appeal to the European OMBUDSMAN

Question 4

How do EP elections take place?

Answer 4

Take place every 5 years by direct, free and universal access

Not in an uniform way (failure of the EP) but following some common principles

Question 5

What are the conditions imposed on MS for the EP elections?

Answer 5

DECISION 2002/772
a) there shall be a proportional voting system
b) there may be a list of preferences
c) there shall be a direct, free and secret suffrage
d) there may be voting district, but cannot prejudice the voting
e) dates for the elections and counting are commonly decided

Question 6

How many seats does the EP have and how are these distributed?

Answer 6

-751 (750 + 1 President)

-distribution is upon Secondary Law, and its based on 751 CEILING and PRINCIPLE OF DEGRESSIVE PROPORTIONALITY
(MEPs of larger countries are proportionally fewer than the one of smaller countries)

Question 7

How is the work done inside the EP?

Answer 7

It’s guided by the President and 14 vices (2.5 year term)

It’s divided in plenary session and committee sessions

Question 8

What are the EP powers?

Answer 8

ART 14 TEU:
EP exercises:
A) legislative an budgetary powers jointly with the Council
B) political control and advisory tasks (mainly over the Commission; MOTION OF CENSURE - qm)
C) elects its President
D) elects the European Ombudsman