Recently, EU Parliament got re-elected and the EU Parliament members chose the President of EU Parliament and EU commission. Lets know of how the elections to EU Parliament takes place and what is the structure.
Structure of European Union.
There are 7 European institutions, 7 EU bodies and over 30 decentralised agencies that are spread across the EU. In terms of administration, there are a further 20 EU agencies and organisations which carry out specific legal functions and 4 interinstitutional services which support the institutions.
All of these establishments have specific roles – from developing EU laws and policy-making to implementing policies and working on specialist areas, such as health, medicine, transport and the environment.
There are 4 main decision-making institutions which lead the EU’s administration. These institutions collectively provide the EU with policy direction and play different roles in the law-making process:
the European Parliament (Brussels/Strasbourg/Luxembourg)
the European Council (Brussels)
the Council of the European Union (Brussels/Luxembourg)
the European Commission (Brussels/Luxembourg/Representation across the EU)
Their work is complemented by other institutions and bodies, which include:
the Court of Justice of the European Union (Luxembourg)
the European Central Bank (Frankfurt)
the European Court of Auditors (Luxembourg)
The President of European Commission and its duties.
The President of the European Commission sets the Commission’s policy agenda and decides on the organisation of the Commission.
The Commission President represents the Commission at meetings of the European Council, G7 and G20 summits, summits with non-EU countries and during major debates in the European Parliament and the Council.
One of the first tasks of the newly elected Parliament is to elect a President of the European Commission.
Following several resolutions adopted by the Parliament, this procedure begins before the European elections with the lead candidate process, when European political parties announce their candidates for the role. The candidate whose political group gets more seats is seen as a logical first choice.
The leaders of EU countries nominate a candidate for Commission President taking into account the results of the European elections. The nominated candidate delivers a statement to the newly-elected Member of European Parliament (MEPs) and takes part in a plenary debate with them.
The candidate for Commission President needs to receive approval from Parliament with the support of at least half of all MEPs plus one in a secret vote.
If the candidate does not receive the required majority, the European Council must propose an alternate candidate in the maximal period of one month.
The European Council officially appoints the successful candidate as President of the European Commission.
Who is President of European Parliament?
The President of the European Parliament is elected for a term of two-and-a-half years, which can be renewed. This individual represents the Parliament in its interactions with other EU institutions and the international community.
In addition to this role, the President is responsible for overseeing the activities of the Parliament, presiding over plenary sessions, and officially approving the EU budget.
At the start of each European Council meeting, the President of the European Parliament presents the Parliament's perspective on the agenda items and other relevant topics.
The election process for the President involves a secret ballot among Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) during the first plenary session following the elections. Political groups or groups of at least 36 MEPs can nominate candidates for the position.
The candidate who receives an absolute majority of the votes cast is appointed as the President. In case no candidate secures a majority after three rounds of voting, the top two candidates face off in a final ballot, with the winner becoming the new President of the European Parliament.
Following the election of the President, MEPs proceed to elect 14 Vice-Presidents and five Quaestors.
How the European Parliament functions?
Together with representatives of the governments of EU countries, MEPs shape and decide on new laws that influence all aspects of lives across the European Union, from supporting the economy and the fight against poverty to climate change and security.
MEPs put important political, economic and social topics in the spotlight, human rights, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law.
Parliament approves the EU budget and scrutinises how the money is spent. It also elects the President of the European Commission, appoints its Commissioners and holds them to account.
stay tuned for more.
Get your article featured by becoming our member. Check here.
Comments