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The European Parliament in a nutshell

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

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There are 751 of them. They are Members of the European Parliament and they're elected for a five-year term to represent 508 million European citizens from across the 28 Member States.

The Parliament has two seats. Its formal seat is in Strasbourg where MEPs decamp for monthly plenary sessions. Its other seat is in Brussels where day-to-day groundwork and political and thematic group meetings take place. And finally, the Parliament's secretariat is based in Luxembourg. The European Parliament has three main powers: Legislative power. It passes European laws drawn up by the European Commission. It shares this power with the Council of the European Union which represents the Member States.

Budgetary power. Along with the Council, they approve and control the EU budget. Supervisory powers. To oversee other EU institutions and agencies. For example, MEPs hold hearings with nominees to the EU Commission and elect its President.

The European Parliament works closely with the European Commission, which draws up draft laws, and the 28 Member States via the Council of the European Union. From migration to food safety and data protection, the work of the European Parliament has a direct impact on the daily lives of citizens everywhere in the EU.

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Latest news and events

Launch event of book 'Our Island: Personal Accounts of Protecting Refugees in Malta

18-06-2018

Launch event of book 'Our Island: Personal Accounts of Protecting Refugees in Malta
The impact of migration on Malta through the personal accounts and shared memories of those living it are the core of a book published by the human rights NGO Aditus. The launch which happened on the 8th June included addresses by MEPs Miriam DALLI and Roberta METSOLA and was supported by the European Parliament Liaison Office in Malta.    
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The EU and the Gender Pay Gap in Malta: The Way Forward - Discussion with MEPs

18-06-2018

The EU and the Gender Pay Gap in Malta: The Way Forward - Discussion with MEPs
The higher the level of education, the bigger the gender pay gap: gender pay gap discussion with MEPs at UoM highlights disparities.
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Europe Day 2018

15-05-2018

MEPs Roberta METSOLA and Alfred SANT debating the Future of Europe with Univestity of Malta Students
European identity, the EU’s achievements and its flaws, and the future of Europe were subject of a lively debate at the University of Malta campus whilst De La Salle won the first intra-school Europe Day quiz organised by the European Parliament Office in Malta as part of its Europe Day 2018 activities in Valletta. 
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