How the European Union works | All articles | Topics | European Parliament

How the European Union works

Reforms for a modern and efficient European Parliament

Parliament has embarked on a series of reforms to strengthen its integrity and accountability and to modernise its working methods and procedures.
Digital Journey: take a virtual tour of the European Parliament

Unable to visit the European Parliament in Brussels or Strasbourg in person? Take the Parliament's new Digital Journey.
Quiz: test your EU knowledge

How well do you know the EU? Find out by taking part in our EU for beginners quiz.
Meet the chairs of Parliament's committees

Committees are the powerhouses of the European Parliament’s legislative work. Find out who heads them up.
Timeline: Parliament's scrutiny of the commissioners-designate

Follow Parliament's evaluation of the proposed new European Commission with the help of this timeline of the confirmation hearings of the commissioners-designate.
Infographic: Parliament’s role in appointing the European Commission

Learn from our infographic how Parliament plays a key role in scrutinising the candidates for commissioners and appointing the European Commission.
How Parliament’s scrutiny of commissioners-designate has evolved

Confirmation hearings of potential EU commissioners are a key moment for Parliament. They have changed a lot over the years and have had a big impact.
What do the EU institutions do? (infographic)

What does the Parliament do, what are the European Commission's responsibilities? What is the Council of the EU? Find out from our infographic.
Facts and figures: the European Parliament's 2024-2029 term

What does the new European Parliament look like? Find out about the MEPs who will be working for you over the next five years.
Who's who: overview of MEPs in key posts

MEPs elected a new Parliament president, vice-presidents and quaestors in July 2024. Find out from our infographic who was chosen for Parliament's key posts.
‘Parliament 2024’: ambitious reforms to strengthen European democracy

The European Parliament has introduced changes in the way it works to improve its efficiency and respond better to citizens’ expectations.
Questions about the European Parliament? We have answers

Want to know how the European Parliament is supporting Ukraine, tackling climate change and fighting disinformation, or maybe you have a question about how it works?
Europe Day: visit Parliament during our open days

Visit the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Brussels and Luxembourg as part of events to celebrate Europe Day.
How are the members of the European Commission elected? (video)

The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union and Parliament plays a key part in approving its composition.
Parliament's youth offer: learn about the EU and stand up for democracy (video)

From hands-on experience of European parliamentary democracy to virtual role-playing games, the European Parliament’s youth offer has something for everyone.
How to get in touch with the European Parliament (video)

Connecting with the European Parliament is easy. Find out the different ways to get in touch in our short video.
Investment, growth, choice: the economic benefits of EU membership (video)

EU membership means being part of one of the world’s biggest single market.
MEPs' role in shaping EU rules (video)

Parliament plays a central role in EU lawmaking, but voting on new legislation is only a part of it.
Wopke Hoekstra (The Netherlands)

Check out the official documents related to the evaluation of Wopke Hoekstra as commissioner-designate for climate action.
Maroš Šefčovič (Slovakia)

Discover the official documents related to the evaluation of Maroš Šefčovič, executive vice president, designated to take over the European Green Deal portfolio.