European Parliament

The European Parliament has 732 Members who are elected in the 25 member states of the EU for a five-year term. There are 78 MEPs for the UK. Most of the time, Parliament and the MEPs are based in Brussels where its specialist committees meet to scrutinise proposals for new EU laws.

In addition to their role as legislators, MEPs approve the appointment of the European Commission, decide the EU budget with the member states, monitor spending, approve international agreements, question EU Commissioners and national Ministers, and appoint the European Ombudsman. Citizens have the right to petition the European Parliament.