The European Parliament, a crucial component of the European Union, plays a vital role in shaping the policies, laws, and regulations that impact the lives of over 446 million citizens across the 27 EU member states. As a representative body, the European Parliament is instrumental in the functioning of the EU. This article provides an in-depth look at the current situation within the European Parliament, highlighting key issues, challenges, and the ongoing efforts to address them.
Composition of the European Parliament
The European Parliament is made up of 705 members (MEPs) who represent the interests of European citizens. These members are elected every five years, with the most recent elections held in 2019. The distribution of seats is based on the population of each member state, ensuring proportional representation.
7 Challenges That Can Shape Europe
- COVID-19 Response: Like the rest of the world, the European Parliament has faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sessions have been affected, and there has been a shift towards remote and virtual meetings. The pandemic has also intensified the need for coordinated public health responses across the EU.
- Rule of Law: Ensuring the rule of law and democratic values within EU member states has become a major concern. The European Parliament plays a role in monitoring and addressing rule of law issues, particularly in cases where fundamental values are at risk.
- Climate Change: Tackling climate change and setting ambitious environmental policies is a central theme in the European Parliament. It has pushed for stronger regulations and commitments to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
- Migration and Asylum: The European Parliament is actively involved in discussions about migration and asylum policies. It seeks to find a balanced approach that addresses both humanitarian concerns and security.
- Economic Recovery: The EU has launched an ambitious economic recovery plan in response to the pandemic. The European Parliament is heavily involved in negotiating the terms and conditions of this plan.
- Brexit Fallout: While the United Kingdom has left the EU, the European Parliament continues to manage the implications of Brexit, such as trade agreements and the Northern Ireland Protocol.
- Digital Transformation: Digital issues, such as data privacy, artificial intelligence, and online content regulation, are on the parliamentary agenda, reflecting the EU’s commitment to fostering a competitive digital economy while protecting individuals’ rights, with a focus on Industry 4.0.
And 5 Key Actions and Initiatives
The European Parliament, aware of these challenges, has taken several actions to address them:
- Legislative Work: The Parliament is actively involved in drafting and amending legislation in numerous areas, from environmental protection to consumer rights.
- Oversight: Oversight of the European Commission’s work is a critical function of the Parliament. It holds the Commission accountable for its actions and decisions.
- Transparency: Efforts to enhance transparency, accessibility, and accountability have been made to ensure that the parliamentary process is open to the public.
- Climate Policies: The European Parliament has consistently supported strong climate policies and recently approved the EU’s ambitious climate law.
- Digital Initiatives: The Parliament is working to establish comprehensive legislation to regulate digital platforms, ensuring that they adhere to EU values and norms.
The European Parliament is at the heart of the European Union, working diligently to address the many complex issues facing the region today. From economic recovery to climate change, digital transformation to upholding democratic values, the Parliament is actively engaged in shaping the future of Europe. The challenges are substantial, but the commitment to cooperation and finding common solutions remains a cornerstone of the EU’s success. As the world evolves, the European Parliament will continue to adapt and play a critical role in the shared journey towards a better future for all Europeans.
