What are the European Parliament’s powers? 

Directly elected by EU citizens every five years, the European Parliament is an important forum for political debate and decision-making at the EU level. Members of the European Parliament:

  • amend and adopt EU legislation, alongside representatives of EU governments in the Council
  • decide the EU budget, also alongside the Council
  • elect the president of the European Commission and approve the Commission as a whole
  • scrutinise the work of the other EU institutions, and how they use the EU budget
  • and engage with non-EU countries through parliamentary diplomacy.



Legislative powers


The vast majority of EU law passes through the ordinary legislative procedure (often referred to as “co-decision”, as it was previously known). It is the standard EU legislative decision-making process, giving equal weight to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union (representing EU Member States). It applies to a wide range of areas such as migration, energy, transport, climate change, environment, consumer protection and economic governance.


“Consent” is another decision-making procedure. It means Parliament’s consent, or approval, is necessary, and applies to issues such as the accession of new EU Member States as well as for EU international trade agreements. The election of the European Commission happens under the consent procedure.


“Consultation” is in use in policy areas such as taxation, competition law and the Common Foreign and Security Policy. It allows the Parliament to approve or reject a legislative proposal, as well as suggest amendments to it. Though the Parliament's position is not binding on the Council, the latter must consult the former and wait on its position before taking a decision. Not doing so would make an act illegal and expose it to potential annulment by the Court of Justice. Furthermore, when the Council substantially changes a proposal, it must consult the Parliament again.

What about legislative initiative? Who initiates EU law?


Although it is up to the Commission to table new EU laws, Parliament can take the initiative by requesting that the Commission submit a legislative proposal. When making use of "legislative initiative", MEPs may set a deadline for the submission of a proposal. If the Commission refuses to, it must explain why.

Delegated/implementing acts


When adopting a new law, the Parliament and Council can instruct the Commission to make minor additions or changes such as technical annexes or updates either through delegated acts (which supplement or amend parts of the law) or implementing acts (giving details on how to implement the law). In this way, legislation can remain simple and up-to-date without having to start new negotiations.


Depending on the type of act that the Commission adopts, MEPs have different options at their disposal if they disagree with the measures put forward. MEPs have a veto right for delegated acts.


On implementing acts, MEPs can ask the Commission to amend or withdraw them, though the Commission has no legal obligation to do this.

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