Why does the composition of the European Parliament matter?

The European Parliament has a number of important powers – legislative, budgetary and political – which ultimately have an influence on people’s lives. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have a say in the adoption of EU laws which apply to all Member States, in the adoption of the EU budget and in the nomination of the European Commissioners. Political parties with the strongest representation in the Parliament do have a real influence on the Parliament’s work and agenda.

Here are some concrete examples of the impact of the European Parliament in the area of LGBT rights and equality since 2004:

• The nomination of Rocco Buttiglione for EU Commissioner on Justice – known for his controversial views on homosexuality and gender equality – was withdrawn under the pressure of the Parliament. The Parliament’s work also led the European Commission President Barroso to clearly state his commitment to fighting discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation.

• It is at the request of the Parliament that the Fundamental Rights Agency carried out its comprehensive legal and sociological study on homophobia and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the EU in 2008.

• The mobilization of MEPs was crucial to the success of the 2008 campaign on a horizontal anti-discrimination directive, which led to the adoption of the European Commission proposal for a new legislation covering four grounds of discrimination. See our directive campaign website.

Here are some useful links for background information on the European Parliament (composition, work, powers, etc.):

• European Parliament website
• Fact sheet on the European Parliament (Civil Society Contact Group)
• BBC website