European Parliament

The European Parliament is the directly elected legislative body of the European Union, with members chosen by voters across member states in periodic elections. It sits primarily in Strasbourg and Brussels and organizes its work through political groups and specialized committees. Together with the Council of the European Union, the Parliament exercises the EU's legislative and budgetary powers under the ordinary legislative procedure, amending and adopting proposals put forward by the European Commission. It also provides democratic oversight, including approving the Commission and scrutinizing EU institutions. On environmental matters its committees review and shape legislation on climate, pollution, and nature before final adoption. The Parliament does not initiate legislation itself; that role rests with the Commission under the treaties.