THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT Cover Image

ЕВРОПСКИ ПАРЛАМЕНТ
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Author(s): Zoran Radivojević
Subject(s): Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, International Law, EU-Legislation
Published by: Правни факултет Универзитета у Нишу
Keywords: European Union; Parliament; elections; representatives; political groups; decision making; budget; supervision; control

Summary/Abstract: In terms of composition and way of functioning, the European Parliament is the unique phenomenon in the field of international organizing. Its members are not appointed by the member states governments, but they are elected by democratic means - through general and direct elections. At the same time, elected members of the Parliament represent both their election basis and other nations gathered in the Union. Hence, in the Parliament, they are not grouping by their nationality, but instead, by their political convictions. Although the only authority consisted of directly elected representatives, the European Parliament is not the supreme organ, nor is the most general jurisdiction vested therein. In rendering decisions, it doesn't act autonomous, but always jointly with other authorities and in limited number of cases. The same is the case with the budgetary jurisdiction, which Parliament shares with other organs. It is empowered with political supervision and control over the functioning of other organs of the Union. Finally, within the scope of foreign and security policy, as well as police and judiciary cooperation in the field of criminal matters, the European Parliament is only informed and consulted on issues from this field of cooperation.

  • Issue Year: XLVII/2006
  • Issue No: 47
  • Page Range: 11-31
  • Page Count: 21
  • Language: Serbian