Number: RS21998
Title: The European Parliament
Authors: Kristin Archick, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: The 785-member, directly-elected European Parliament (EP) is a key institution of the 27-member European Union (EU). Once limited to being a consultative assembly, the EP has accumulated more power over time. Currently, it plays a role in the EU's legislative and budgeting processes, and exercises general supervision over other EU bodies. Ties between the EP and the U.S. Congress are long-standing, and EPCongressional exchanges are expected to continue in the second session of the 110th Congress.
Pages: 6
Date: July 3, 2008