European voters are called to the polls this week. The continental vote will designate the next 720 members of the European Parliament.
One of the first decisions of the new assembly will be to elect the president of the European Parliament. An absolute majority is required.
Once this step is completed, all eyes will be on the candidate for President of the European Commission. Chosen by EU countries. It will be up to MEPs to give their approval.
Same thing for aspiring commissioners. MPs will question them before supporting or rejecting them.
MEPs will then participate in the development of European laws. Their role: to debate, amend and finally negotiate the Commission’s proposals with the Council.
The European Parliament cannot take the initiative for legislation
Parliament cannot take the initiative for legislation, but it can ask the Commission to forward the proposal.
The adoption of the EU budget, another important task for the European Parliament, and the scrutiny of foreign policy. It must also approve any EU enlargement and association treaties.
Parliament has the power to dismiss the Commission through a motion of no confidence. However, it must be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the votes cast and a majority of the members of Parliament.
Although this has never happened until now, in 1999 the European Commission had to resign following a corruption scandal.
Video editor • Vassilis Glynos
