How does the European Parliament work?

A Global Actor - The European Parliament's Impact Abroad

A short look at how the European Parliament, in cooperation with other EU institutions, is protecting and promoting the values and interests of European citizens worldwide.

At home with the European institutions

Keep finding yourself in a muddle about the role played by each of Europe's main institutions? Take a speedy tour of the houses with EPTV.

Between party lines: Political groups

If you invite 751 people to a party, you need to find the best way to organise it. Or you could do what the European Parliament does and have eight different parties! The Parliament's 751 members and the groups they belong to represent views across the European Union’s political spectrum. This short animation explains how these political groups are set up and what their MEPs do.

EP delegations, actors with a global reach

EU accession criteria, conflict resolution, economic ties... MEP delegations work on these and many other topics when they meet with their counterparts from around the world.

Explaining the committee

From budgets to foreign affairs, the European Parliament tackles many complex issues. If all 751 members were to debate these issues together, there would be too many cooks in the kitchen! The Parliament found a better recipe for decision making by creating a number of committees. Satisfy your appetite for knowledge by learning more about Parliament committees and their activities.

Investigating the bureau: A European Parliament body

The bureau is involved in the financial, administrative and organisational matters of the European Parliament. And yet, I bet you still feel like you don't know enough about it. Who is part of the bureau? And what exactly are they responsible for? This animation demystifies an influential wing of the European project.

Law-making in the EU

The checks and balances which help guarantee a representative process.

President of the European Parliament

Who, what, how, and with what kind of power? A short introduction to the post of the President of the European Parliament.

The European Parliament in a nutshell

The work of the European Parliament has a direct impact on citizens around Europe but who actually does what, where and how?

What is an MEP?

An animated guide to the essential facts about Members of the European Parliament.

Let’s talk

Buy, use, throw away: breaking the cycle

MEPs advocate an overhaul of the traditional economy with the circular economy concept aimed at conserving resources through innovative product design and re-use.

Cloned animals - would you eat them?

In Europe, cloned animals haven't made their way into the food supply chain - yet - but they're not banned from it either. EU legislation on cloning is proving a hard nut to crack.

Data protection: problems and solutions

In 2015, most Europeans were worried about not having control over the information they provide online. New data protection rules should put them back in the driving seat.

Europeans' views on immigration

According to a new European Parliament Eurobarometer survey, Europeans identify immigration as one of the EU's main challenges and a majority favour a better distribution of asylum seekers. But national opinions vary.

Gender equality: How to speed up the glacial pace of progress

Advances are plain to see for women in all sectors, but calls come from all corners for Europe to lead the way on gender parity and accelerate change as gaping inequalities persist.

Get the picture: Professionals without borders

The European Professional Card: a ticket to free movement for professionals aimed at pruning unnecessary delays and administration in the recognition of qualifications.

Has the EU army's time come?

Could Europe map a new course on security and defence? We take a look at the existing policy, its origins and what the future could hold in store.

Seeking asylum in the EU

What exactly happens when someone applies for asylum in the EU? Find out the definition of an asylum seeker, what their rights and obligations are, and what the process is like.

The Parliament near you

Got questions about the Parliament? Ever fancied chewing over EU issues in debates? Every Member State has an Information Office ready to engage with you.

What is an MEP?

An animated guide to the essential facts about Members of the European Parliament.

The European Parliament and you

A Global Actor - The European Parliament's Impact Abroad

A short look at how the European Parliament, in cooperation with other EU institutions, is protecting and promoting the values and interests of European citizens worldwide.

At home with the European institutions

Keep finding yourself in a muddle about the role played by each of Europe's main institutions? Take a speedy tour of the houses with EPTV.

Between party lines: Political groups

If you invite 751 people to a party, you need to find the best way to organise it. Or you could do what the European Parliament does and have eight different parties! The Parliament's 751 members and the groups they belong to represent views across the European Union’s political spectrum. This short animation explains how these political groups are set up and what their MEPs do.

EP delegations, actors with a global reach

EU accession criteria, conflict resolution, economic ties... MEP delegations work on these and many other topics when they meet with their counterparts from around the world.

EP delegations, actors with a global reach

EU accession criteria, conflict resolution, economic ties... MEP delegations work on these and many other topics when they meet with their counterparts from around the world.

Explaining the committee

From budgets to foreign affairs, the European Parliament tackles many complex issues. If all 751 members were to debate these issues together, there would be too many cooks in the kitchen! The Parliament found a better recipe for decision making by creating a number of committees. Satisfy your appetite for knowledge by learning more about Parliament committees and their activities.

Investigating the bureau: A European Parliament body

The bureau is involved in the financial, administrative and organisational matters of the European Parliament. And yet, I bet you still feel like you don't know enough about it. Who is part of the bureau? And what exactly are they responsible for? This animation demystifies an influential wing of the European project.

Law-making in the EU

The checks and balances which help guarantee a representative process.

Law-making in the EU

The checks and balances which help guarantee a representative process.

President of the European Parliament

Who, what, how, and with what kind of power? A short introduction to the post of the President of the European Parliament.

The European Parliament in a nutshell

The work of the European Parliament has a direct impact on citizens around Europe but who actually does what, where and how?

The Parliament near you

Got questions about the Parliament? Ever fancied chewing over EU issues in debates? Every Member State has an Information Office ready to engage with you.

Traineeships: Experience the EU at first hand

Did you know the Parliament offers traineeships to young people? Find out with Adela and Freddie how to apply and what kind of an experience could be in store for you too.

Traineeships: Experience the EU at first hand

Did you know the Parliament offers traineeships to young people? Find out with Adela and Freddie how to apply and what kind of an experience could be in store for you too.

What do you expect of the EU?

A survey of nearly 28,000 Europeans found that a large majority wants the EU to be more active in tackling issues like unemployment, terrorism, immigration and tax fraud.

What is an MEP?

An animated guide to the essential facts about Members of the European Parliament.