Cultural outing to the European Parliament with the students of Stralang on Wednesday February 26, 2020.

The only European body directly elected by citizens. Its 705 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) represent more than 400 million EU citizens from 27 countries since Brexit. He plays an essential role in the election of the President of the European Commission. It also shares budgetary and legislative power with the Council of the European Union.

The European Parliament is a unique example of the application of multinational and multilingual democracy. MEPs elected to the European Parliament take part in public debates and play an essential role in the shaping of European Union policies. It represents the 2nd largest electorate in the world after India.

The European Parliament takes its role as guardian of freedoms, human rights and democracy in Europe and beyond very seriously. The main task of MEPs is to represent citizens at EU level and to defend their interests before European leaders and EU institutions. The approval of the European Parliament is necessary for most international agreements concluded by the EU.

The European Parliament is also helping to shape the EU’s development and humanitarian aid policy. MEPs are increasingly influencing European foreign policy and maintaining close links with legislators around the world. They often act as election observers around the world to monitor possible irregularities. They also ensure that human rights are protected in the context of economic and trade agreements between the EU and third countries. They award the Sakharov Prize to recognize personalities or collectives who defend human rights, democracy and freedom of expression and fight against intolerance and oppression around the world. Among the winners are Malala Yousafzai, Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Ky.