Organisation
Organisation
Organisation of the European Parliament
Interview mit Jacques F. Poos: die Quästoren, das Präsidium und die Konferenz der Präsidenten (Sanem, 16. April 2004)
VideoIn diesem Interview vergleicht Jacques F. Poos, von 1999 bis 2004 Mitglied des Europäischen Parlaments und Quästor, die verwaltungs- und finanztechnischen Zuständigkeiten des Präsidiums mit den politischen Aufgaben der Konferenz der Präsidenten.
Organe des Europäischen Parlaments (2014)
DiagramSchematische Darstellung der Organe des Europäischen Parlaments (Präsidium, Konferenz der Präsidenten, Konferenz der Ausschussvorsitzenden, Konferenz der Delegationsvorsitzenden) (Januar 2014).
The faces of the European Parliament (2007–09)
TextThis publication, produced by the European Parliament’s Directorate-General for Communication and published in 2008, presents the various bodies that make up the European Parliament and play a vital role in the smooth running of the institution.
The Committees of the Common Assembly (2008)
TextStudy drawn up in 2008 by the European Parliament’s Archive and Documentation Centre (CARDOC) on the main tasks of the Committees of the ECSC Common Assembly between 1952 and 1958.
The parliamentary committees
TableTable showing the number and composition of the committees throughout the Parliament's history (Common Assembly 1953 — European Parliamentary Assembly 1958 — European Parliament 2009 and 2014).
"Les eurodéputés se partagent les commissions avant de partir en vacances" dans Libération
TextArticle du quotidien Libération paru en juillet 1989 à l'occasion de la constitution des commissions du Parlement européen nouvellement élu les 15-18 juin 1989. Les députés, après désignation des candidats par les groupes politiques, élisent les membres des commissions.
Interview mit Jacques F. Poos: die Ausschüsse des Europäischen Parlaments (Sanem, 16. April 2004)
VideoIn diesem Interview erläutert Jacques F. Poos, Europa-Abgeordneter von 1999 bis 2004, wie das Parlament die Zahl, die Aufgabenbereiche und die Zusammensetzung der parlamentarischen Ausschüsse bestimmt.
EP delegations: strengthening external relationships (3 April 2012)
TextThis press release issued by the European Parliament on 3 April 2012 describes the major role played by European Parliament delegations in European foreign policy.
Organigramm des Generalsekretariats der Gemeinsamen Versammlung (1953)
DiagramÜbersicht über die Organisation des Sekretariats der Gemeinsamen Versammlung im Jahr 1953.
Organigramm des Generalsekretärs der Europäischen Parlamentarischen Versammlung (1958)
DiagramÜbersicht über die Organisation des Generalsekretariats der Europäischen Parlamentarischen Versammlung im Jahr 1958.
Chart illustrating the organisational structure of the Secretariat of the European Parliament (2014)
TextThe Secretariat of the European Parliament has the task of coordinating legislative work and organising plenary sittings and meetings. It also provides technical and expert assistance to parliamentary bodies and Members of Parliament to support them in the exercise of their mandates.
Presidents of the European Parliament
TableList of the Presidents of the Common Assembly, the European Parliamentary Assembly and the European Parliament.
'Nicole Fontaine : President of the European Parliament' from Tribune pour l'Europe
TextOn 20 July 1999, Nicole Fontaine was elected Président of the European Parliament.
Debate between the candidates for the Presidency of the European Parliament (Brussels, 28 November 2001)
ImageDebate held in Brussels on 28 November 2001 between the candidates for the Presidency of the European Parliament. From left to right: Francis Wurtz (GUE/NLG, F), Gérard Onesta (Verts/ALE, F), David Martin (PSE, UK), Pat Cox (ELDR, IRL) and Jens-Peter Bonde (EDD, DK).
Speech by Mr Josep Borrell Fontelles following his election as President of the European Parliament (20 July2004)
TextSpeech by Mr Josep Borrell Fontelles following his election as President of the European Parliament on 20 july 2004.
Address given by Martin Schulz following his election as President of the European Parliament (17 January 2012)
TextAddress given by Martin Schulz following his election as President of the European Parliament on 17 January 2012.
Being the Parliament President (27 February 2013)
VideoThis film, dated 27 February 2013, describes the role and powers of the President of the European Parliament.
Inaugural speech by Martin Schulz as President of the European Parliament (1 July 2014)
TextInaugural speech made by Martin Schulz following his election as President of the European Parliament on 1 July 2014.
Presidents of the ECSC Common Assembly
Paul-Henri Spaak
ImagePaul-Henri Spaak, President of the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community from 1952 to 1954.
Alcide de Gasperi
ImageAlcide de Gasperi, President of the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1954.
Giuseppe Pella
ImageGiuseppe Pella, President of the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community from 1954 to 1956.
Hans Furler
ImageHans Furler, President of the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community from 1956 to 1958.
Presidents of the European Parliamentary Assembly
Robert Schuman
ImageRobert Schuman, President of the European Parliamentary Assembly from 1958 to 1960.
Presidents of the European Parliamentary Assembly
Rede von Robert Schuman (Straßburg, 19. März 1958)
Audio extractAm 19. März 1958 wählt die Parlamentarische Versammlung den Franzosen Robert Schuman zu ihrem Präsidenten. In seiner ersten Rede an der Spitze der Institution unterstreicht der Mann, der mit seiner Erklärung vom 9. Mai 1950 das europäische Abenteuer ins Rollen gebracht hatte, die Veränderungen in der Funktionsweise des europäischen Parlaments seit Inkrafttreten der Verträge, die im März 1957 in Rom unterzeichnet worden waren.
Presidents of the European Parliament
Wiederwahl durch Zuruf von Mario Scelba als Präsident des Europäischen Parlaments (Straßburg, 10. März 1970)
Audio extractAm 10. März 1970 leitet der Italiener Roberto Cantalupo als Alterspräsident die Plenarsitzung des Europäischen Parlaments, auf der der Präsident und die acht Vizepräsidenten der Institution gewählt werden sollen. Vor der Wahl auf Zuruf, bei der Mario Scelba im zweiten Jahr in Folge zum Präsidenten gewählt wird, hält der Alterspräsident eine Rede, in der er sich für eine Ausweitung der Befugnisse des Europäischen Parlaments sowie für eine verstärkte Rolle der Institution als Motor für die wirtschaftliche und politische Integration der Gemeinschaft ausspricht.
Cornelis Berkhouwer
ImageCornelis Berkhouwer, President of the European Parliament from 1973 to 1975.
Enrique Barón Crespo
ImageEnrique Barón Crespo, President of the European Parliament from 1989 to 1992.
José María Gil-Robles
ImageJosé María Gil-Robles, President of the European Parliament from 1997 to 1999.
Group photograph of the Presidents of the European Parliament (25 September 2002)
ImageGroup photograph of the former Presidents and the current President of the European Parliament, meeting in Strasbourg on 25 September 2002 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the institution. From left to right: Enrique Barón Crespo, José María Gil Robles, Sir Henry Plumb, Pat Cox (President-in-Office), Emilio Colombo, Klaus Hänsch, Pieter Dankert, Egon Klepsch and Hans-Joachim Opitz (former Secretary-General of the European Parliament).
Josep Borrell Fontelles
ImageJosep Borrell Fontelles, President of the European Parliament from 20 July 2004 to 15 January 2007.
Hans-Gert Pöttering
ImageHans-Gert Pöttering, President of the European Parliament from 16 January 2007 to 13 July 2009.
Presidents of the European Parliament
Jerzy Buzek
ImageJerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament from 14 July 2009 to 16 January 2012.
Martin Schulz
ImageMartin Schulz, President of the European Parliament since 17 January 2012. On 1 July 2014, he was reelected for a second term as President of the European Parliament.
Political groups
Interview mit Jacques F. Poos: die Beziehungen zwischen den Fraktionen und den politischen Parteien (Sanem, 16. April 2004)
VideoAls ehemaliger Vize-Vorsitzender der Luxemburgischen Sozialistischen Arbeiterpartei (LSAP) vergleicht der Europa-Abgeordnete Jacques F. Poos die jeweilige Rolle einer europäischen Partei und ihrer Fraktion im Europäischen Parlament.
Rapport de la Commission du Règlement de l'Assemblée commune (1953)
TextRapport fait au nom de la Commission du Règlement de l'Assemblée commune, des Pétitions et des Immunités, sur l'insertion dans le Règlement d'une disposition relative à la constitution des Groupes politiques, par M. Paul Struye, Rapporteur. L'existence de groupes politiques au sein de l'Assemblée commune de la CECA rend nécessaire l'insertion dans son règlement intérieur d'une disposition les concernant.
Common Assembly Resolution (16 June 1953)
TextCommon Assembly Resolution of 16 June 1953, incorporating a provision relating to the formation of political groups into the Rules of Procedure.
Statement of formation of the Christian-Democratic Group (Strasbourg, 23 June 1953)
TextStatement of formation of the Christian-Democratic Group as a faction in the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community, dated 23 June 1953.
Position of the political groups in mid-September 1953
TextIn 1953, three political groups are formed in the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community: the Christian-Democratic Group, the Socialist Group and the Liberal Group.
Neukonstituierung der Fraktion der Christlichen Demokraten (Straßburg, 19. März 1958)
TextAnlässlich der ersten Sitzung der europäischen parlamentarischen Versammlung am 19. März 1958 in Straßburg erfolgt die Neukonstituierung der Fraktion der Christlichen Demokraten in der neuen gemeinsamen Versammlung der drei europäischen Gemeinschaften.
"Ce que sera et fera le nouveau Parlement européen" dans L'Écho de la Bourse (21 novembre 1978)
TextCet article du quotidien belge L'Écho de la Bourse se propose de montrer quels sont les grands courants politiques devant animer le Parlement européen après les élections du 10 juin 1979.
"Die politischen Familien von Straßburg" in Le Figaro (13. Juni 1979)
TextDieser Artikel erschien unmittelbar nach den Wahlen zum Europäischen Parlament am 10. Juni 1979 in der französischen Tageszeitung Le Figaro.
‘Major manoeuvres in the new Strasbourg Parliament’ from l’Unità
TextThe Italian left-wing daily newspaper l’Unità outlines the political implications involved during the formation of political groups following the June 2004 elections to the European Parliament.
Political groups (2004)
TableList of the political groups formed following the European elections of June 2004. In July 2004, there are seven political groups.
Political groups (2009)
TableList of the political groups formed following the European elections of June 2009. In July 2009, there are seven political groups.
Political groups in the European Parliament (1979)
TableDistribution of seats at the European Parliament by political group (1979).
Political groups in the European Parliament (1984)
TableDistribution of seats at the European Parliament by political group (1984).
Political groups in the European Parliament (1989)
TableDistribution of seats at the European Parliament by political group (1989).
Political groups in the European Parliament (1994)
TableDistribution of seats at the European Parliament by political group (1994).
Political groups in the European Parliament (1999)
TableDistribution of seats at the European Parliament by political group (1999).
Political groups in the European Parliament (2004)
TableDistribution of seats at the European Parliament by political group (2004).
Political groups in the European Parliament (2009)
TableDistribution of seats in the European Parliament by political group in 2009.
Joseph Daul, Chair of the EPP-ED Group
ImageJoseph Daul, Chair of the Group of the European People's Party and European Democrats (EPP-ED).
Francesco Enrico Speroni, Co-Chair of the EFD Group
ImageFrancesco Enrico Speroni, Co-Chair of the Europe of Freedom and Democracy Group (EFD).
Nigel Farage, Co-President of the EFD Group
ImageNigel Farage, Co-President of the Europe of Freedom and Democracy Group (EFD).
Hannes Swoboda, Chair of the S&D Group
ImageHannes Swoboda, Chair of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament (S&D), formerly known as the Group of the Party of European Socialists (PES).
Political groups
Guy Verhofstadt, Chair of the ALDE Group
ImageGuy Verhofstadt, Chair of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE).
Daniel Cohn-Bendit, Co-Chair of the Greens/EFA Group
ImageDaniel Cohn-Bendit, Co-Chair of the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA).
Rebecca Harms, Co-Chair of the Greens/EFA Group
ImageRebecca Harms, Co-Chair of the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA).
Monica Frassoni, Co-Chair of the Greens/EFA Group
ImageMonica Frassoni, Co-Chair of the Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA).
Gabi Zimmer, Chair of the GUE/NGL Group
ImageGabi Zimmer, Chair of the Confederal Group of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL).
Martin Callanan, Chair of the ECR Group
ImageMartin Callanan, Chair of the European Conservatives and Reformist Group (ECR).
Interview mit Jacques F. Poos: die Fraktionen im Europäischen Parlament (Sanem, 16. April 2004)
VideoIn diesem Interview beschreibt Jacques F. Poos, von 1999 bis 2004 Mitglied des Europäischen Parlaments, die Rolle der Fraktionen in den internen Abläufen des Europäischen Parlaments.
Interview with Willy Claes (Hasselt, 21 October 2010) — Excerpt: European political parties in the European Parliament
VideoIn this interview excerpt, Willy Claes, Belgian Minister for Economic Affairs from 1973 to 1974, from 1977 to 1982 and from 1988 to 1992, Foreign Minister from 1992 to 1994 and President of the Party of European Socialists (PES) from 1992 to 1994, emphasises the importance, for the development of the European Parliament itself, of public funding for European political parties and their recognition in the treaties. Claes also discusses the European political party summits held prior to European Councils and the part they play in subsequent decisions taken at Community level.
Interview with Willy Claes (Hasselt, 21 October 2010) — Excerpt: The establishment of the Party of European Socialists (PES) at the Hague Congress in 1992, difficulties within the PES and the role of European political parties
VideoIn this interview excerpt, Willy Claes, Belgian Minister for Economic Affairs from 1973 to 1974, from 1977 to 1982 and from 1988 to 1992, Foreign Minister from 1992 to 1994 and President of the Party of European Socialists (PES) from 1992 to 1994, describes his memories of the establishment of the PES at the Hague Congress in 1992, the difficulties within the party caused by differences of opinion and the role of European political parties.
Interview with Gérard Deprez (Brussels, 24 November 2010) — Excerpt: The impact of the extension of the European Parliament’s powers on the strategic relationships between the political groups
VideoIn this interview excerpt, Gérard Deprez, Member of the European Parliament from 1984 to 1999 (European People’s Party (EPP)), from 1999 to 2004 (Citizens’ Movement for Change (MCC)), from 2004 to 2009 and since 2014 (Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE)) and a member of the Committee on Budgets from 1984 to 1987 and from 2004 to 2009, shares his thoughts on the impact of the extension of the European Parliament’s powers, particularly its role as co-legislator and its joint decision-making powers on budget issues, on the strategic relationships between the political groups in Parliament, especially between the two most powerful groups, the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament (S&D) and the Group of the European People’s Party (EPP). He also describes the considerable influence of rapporteurs in their respective political groups and explains how they are appointed.
Vying for influence: Parliament's political groups (17 December 2013)
VideoThis film, dated 17 December 2013, explains the operation and role of political groups within the European Parliament.
Christian-Democratic and Conservative members of the EPP Group
Letter from Christopher Prout to Wilfried Martens (Brussels, 28 February 1991)
TextIn a letter sent on 28 February 1991 to Wilfried Martens, President of the European People’s Party (EPP), Christopher Prout, Chairman of the Group of the European Democrats, outlines the main reasons which prompted the British Conservative MPs to seek membership of the Group of the European People’s Party in the European Parliament.
Aide-mémoire sur la demande d'adhésion des conservateurs au groupe du PPE (avril 1991)
TextAide-mémoire d'avril 1991 du Parti populaire européen (PPE) sur la demande d'adhésion des députés conservateurs au groupe PPE du Parlement européen après les élections européennes de juin 1989.
Note de Thomas Jansen sur le profil du PPE et l'ouverture aux conservateurs (avril 1991)
TextDans une note rédigée en vue de la Conférence des chefs de gouvernement et de parti du 13 avril 1991, Thomas Jansen, secrétaire général du Parti populaire européen (PPE), recommande d’adopter une solution d’ouverture à la question de l’adhésion des partis conservateurs britanniques et scandinaves.
"Les Français isolés au Parlement européen" dans Le Monde (20 avril 1991)
TextLe 20 avril 1991, le quotidien français Le Monde observe que l’alliance entre démocrates-chrétiens et conservateurs au sein du groupe du PPE au Parlement européen a comme conséquence l’exclusion des partis français de centre-droit (RPR et UDF) du grand regroupement européen.
"Le Parti populaire européen, colosse aux pieds d'argile" dans La Libre Belgique (13 février 2004)
TextLe 13 février 2004, le quotidien belge La Libre Belgique consacre un article aux difficultés que rencontre le plus grand groupe politique du Parlement européen à cause de l’hétérogéneité de ses membres.
The establishment and role of the European political parties
'The political parties in the European era' from 30 jours d'Europe (September 1976)
TextIn the run-up to the first election of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage, the national political parties join forces, at European level, in drawing up common electoral programmes. This article of September 1976 explains how the formation of political groups within the European Parliament in anticipation of the European elections results in the establishment of three large federations of political parties in the European Community: the Socialists, Christian Democrats and Liberals.
Entretien avec Gaston Thorn et avec Robert Pontillon dans La Libre Belgique (9-10 juin 1979)
TextAu moment des élections européennes de juin 1979, le quotidien La Libre Belgique publie un entretien avec Gaston Thorn, président de la Fédération des Partis Libéraux et Démocrates de la Communauté européenne, et un entretien avec Robert Pontillon, président de l'Union des partis socialistes de la Communauté européenne.
Resolution of the Heads of Government and Party Leaders of the EPP (Brussels, 13 April 1991)
TextOn the occasion of the Conference of Heads of Government and Party Leaders of the European People’s Party (EPP), held in Brussels on 13 April 1991, the EPP announces that it is prepared to admit the people’s parties of the Scandinavian and Central European countries to its organisation and welcomes the contacts which have brought the British Conservatives closer to the policies of the EPP, with a view to forming a ‘Community of Groups’ in the European Parliament.
Lettre des présidents des fédérations européennes de partis (Bruxelles, 1 juillet 1991)
TextLe 1er juillet 1991, les présidents des trois fédérations européennes de partis, Willy de Clercq, Wilfried Martens et Guy Spitaels, adressent une lettre aux présidents du Conseil européen, du Conseil, du Parlement et de la Commission leur demandant de veiller à l'insertion d'un article sur le rôle des partis européens dans le traité sur l'Union européenne.
Thomas Jansen, Die Entwicklung supranationaler europäischer Parteien - eine wichtige Initiative
TextThomas Jansen, Generalsekretär der Europäischen Volkspartei (EVP), schickt dem Vizepräsidenten und Leitartikler der Agence Europe, Emanuele Gazzo, am 1. Januar 1992 einen Artikel, der unter seinem Namen in Il Popolo erschienen ist und der sich mit der Initiative des belgischen Premierministers und Vorsitzenden der EVP Wilfried Martin beschäftigt, der einen Artikel über die Rolle der Parteien in den neuen Vertrag einfügen möchte.
Regulation (EC) No 2004/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the regulations governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding (4 November 2003)
TextRegulation (EC) No 2004/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, dated 4 November 2003, establishes specific rules and the possibility of funding for political parties at European level.
The establishment and role of the European political parties
Regulation (EC) No 1524/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the regulations governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding (18 December 2007)
TextRegulation (EC) No 1524/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, dated 18 December 2007, lays down the possibility for political parties at European level to set up European political foundations on the German model and to fund political campaigns at European level for the elections to the European Parliament.
Francisco Roa Bastos, ‘Political parties at European level’? (18 May 2009)
TextIn a paper published on the website of the ‘Notre Europe’ think tank on 18 May 2009, Francisco Roa Bastos investigates ‘political parties at European level’, a type of political organisation that is still relatively unfamiliar. These ‘Europarties’, often confused with the political groups in the European Parliament, are recognised by the Maastricht Treaty and two Community regulations under which they have enjoyed their own status and funding since 2003.
Report by the Committee on Constitutional Affairs on the modification of the Act of 20 September 1976 (28 April 2011)
TextReport dated 28 April 2011, drawn up by the European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs, on the proposal for a modification of the Act of 20 September 1976 concerning the election of the Members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage. The aim of this report is to establish a single Europe-wide constituency and 25 additional MEPs elected from the multinational lists submitted by the political parties represented in the European Parliament.
Second report by the Committee on Constitutional Affairs on the modification of the Act of 20 September 1976 (1 February 2012)
TextReport dated 1 February 2012, drawn up by the European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs, on the proposal for a modification of the Act of 20 September 1976 concerning the election of the Members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage. This report is an attempt to Europeanise and modernise the European elections.
European Parliament press release on the 2014 European elections (16 April 2013)
TextIn the run-up to the 2014 European Parliament elections, the Committee on Constitutional Affairs asserts that the rules on founding and funding European political parties should be revised to improve their visibility, transparency and effectiveness and enhance the European character of these elections.