Mid-term assessment of the European Parliament’s 7th legislature – The European Parliament takes action to tackle the crisis

The 736 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), whose number grew at the beginning of December 2011 by 18 new MEPs that were planned for in the first review of the Lisbon Treaty, are now midway through their mandate. Firstly, over the first 30 months MEPs became aware of the European Parliament's new prerogatives and of its ability to position itself as a united, strong player in the face of the other institutions. The second part of this paper notes that in view of the number of decisions, votes and legislations, output is sustained but more focused than in the previous legislature. Moreover, the institution's political bipolarisation has grown under the pressure of time, and the centre now stands as a true arbiter. In addition to this we note that middle sized, but well integrated EU States, are significantly influential in terms of their work in comparison with the founder States or the most recent new comers. The last part of the study endeavours to illustrate the major trends of the 7th legislature. Work has focused on crises - more specifically the financial ones and the implementation of the single market, increased citizens' rights, including those of the consumer, the traveller and the patient.

ESO: Information Guide: European Parliament http://www.europeansources.info/record/information-guide-european-parliament/

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