MEPs: a brief introduction

EU Parliament StrasbourgThe European Parliament is the only EU body directly representing EU citizens. Members of the European Parliament are elected for a fixed five year term of office; the next elections will be in June 2009. The number of MEPs for each Member State is based on population. The UK is currently represented by 78 out of a total of 784; Germany, the largest Member State, has 99 MEPs.

 

Each Government decides how elections will be conducted. The UK uses a proportional representation system based on regions:

  • Eastern (7 MEPs)
  • East Midlands (6 MEPs)
  • London (9 MEPs)
  • Northern Ireland (3 MEPs)
  • North East (3 MEPs)
  • North West (9 MEPs)
  • Scotland (7 MEPs)
  • South East (10 MEPs)
  • South West (7 MEPs)
  • Wales (4 MEPs)
  • West Midlands (7 MEPs)
  • Yorkshire & Humber (6 MEPs)

Parliament’s role in the drafting of Community legislation varies. Over the years, its role has progressed from a purely advisory one, to 'co-decision', putting it on an equal footing with the Council (made up of Government representatives). Conducting much of their work in Committees, MEPs consider relevant legislative proposals drafted by the Commission, suggesting amendments that should be made to the text. A 'rapporteur', chosen by the Committee responsible for the policy area, drafts an opinion on the Commission’s proposal, which will then be considered by that Committee.

Amendments that are made are often based on consultation with expert groups. NGOs, industry groups, scientific experts and other interest groups lobby MEPs in an attempt to amend legislative texts to mirror their own positions on particular policy areas. The relevant Committee will then vote on amendments submitted by individual MEPs on the basis of this expert consultation.

Next the Parliament as a whole will vote during the monthly plenary sessions in Strasbourg, where an Act can be adopted by simple majority.

Under the Co-decision procedure MEPs have equal weight to the Member States and their opinions cannot be discarded. As MEPs are also the most accessible part of the EU legislative process, they are often a conduit for popular opinion, particularly on controversial issues. When these are combined it can have a major impact: in 2003 MEPs secured a 'victory' on the Cosmetics Directive, introducing a timetable intended to phase out tests using animals.

As in any Parliament, MEPs vary in their influence. Some have official positions, such as the chairs of the committees. Others take a strong interest in certain issues, or are known and respected for their credibility and expertise in different policy areas.

Like any politicians, MEPs are confronted with a large variety of issues and often rely on expert advice from interested parties. Providing information to MEPs is therefore often welcomed, particularly if an organisation has a significant presence within their constituency.

Building a relationship with MEPs helps to increase the likelihood of a meeting or response, but this can be difficult and long-term. In the short term a relationship can be built by providing constructive advice in a short and digestible format. Examples that are quick and easy to remember will help, as these can show that MEPs are well informed and can bring a different perspective to a debate.

 

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