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In 70 years, the EU institution has changed significantly and today shapes the world beyond the European continent.
“This institution embodies European reconciliation,” said Parliament President Roberta Metsola in her speech marking the 70th anniversary of the EU Parliament. She emphasized the democratic importance of the body. The decisions of the European Parliament affect many areas of life – including in Switzerland. It was not always like this.
What are his responsibilities? The European Parliament decides together with the Council of the European Union (EU Council of Ministers) on the legislative proposals of the EU Commission. In exchange, they can accept, modify or reject the proposals. The two chambers also decide together on the EU budget.
The EP also has a control function over various EU bodies and elects the President of the EU Commission. All members of the EU Commission are examined by the EP in hearings before their election.
Where does Parliament reach its limits? There are subject areas where the European Parliament only has an advisory role and does not make any decisions – for example in foreign policy or tax policy. It lacks the rights of a “classic parliament” such as the Swiss National Council.
In the EU, only the EU Commission has the right to propose new laws. Parliament has been fighting for such a right of initiative for years. However, the EU treaties would have to be adapted for this. It also has no influence on the size of the EU budget.
Who elects the EU Parliament? The European Parliament, with its 705 members, represents the approximately 450 million of the 27 member states of the EU. The number of deputies is proportionally determined by the respective population. The smallest EU states, Malta, Luxembourg, Cyprus and Estonia, are entitled to at least six MEPs. Germany has the largest number of deputies, namely 96. Since 1979, the EP has been elected for five-year terms. Each country has its own election procedure. The next European elections will take place in 2024.
What is the current composition of Parliament? The MPs from the different countries join together to form parliamentary groups based on their political views.
What role does the EU Parliament play for Switzerland? The decisions of the European Parliament also affect non-member states, including Switzerland. “Switzerland often adopts large parts of new EU laws so that local companies can continue to export to EU countries,” says EU correspondent Liebherr. Many areas are affected, from data protection, food safety, product standards, customs controls to climate protection. “Many Swiss laws, decided autonomously by the federal councils, have a European core, whether you like it or not.”