European Parliament Working Procedures

Content about European Parliament Working Procedures from the publication “The ABC of European Union law” (2010, European Union) by Klaus-Dieter Borchardt.

The basic rules governing the workings of Parliament are set out in its rules of procedure.

Context of European Parliament Working Procedures in the European Union

The MEPs form political groups. Given Parliament’s status as a Union institution, these are Union-wide party political groupings that cut across national lines.

More about European Parliament Working Procedures in the European Union

Parliament holds its week-long plenary sessions in Strasbourg once a month, except in August. Additional sessions may also be held, particularly in connection with the budget. Shorter sessions (lasting one or two days) are held in Brussels. Lastly, emergency sessions may be convened to deal with current major issues, enabling Parliament to set out its position without delay on matters of importance (such as Union affairs, international affairs, violations of human rights). All plenary sessions are open to the public.