4.1. Competences of the European Parliament
The European Parliament is composed of representatives of the EU citizens. They number of the MEPs cannot exceed seven hundred and fifty in number, plus the President. Representation of citizens shall be degressively proportional, with a minimum threshold of six members per Member State. No Member State shall be allocated more than ninety-six seats.
The members of the European Parliament are elected for a term of five years by direct universal suffrage in a free and secret ballot.
Jointly with the Council the European Parliament exercises legislative and budgetary functions. It exercises functions of political control and consultation, and elects the President of the Commission.
The European Parliament shall elect its President and its officers from among its members.
The European Parliament with 754 MEPs in Klaus-Dieter Borchardt. The ABC of European Union Law. European Union, 2010
The European Parliament with 751 MEPs:
- Germany – 96
- France – 74
- Italy, the United Kingdom – 73
- Spain – 54
- Poland - 51
- Romania – 33
- The Netherlands – 26
- Belgium, Greece, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Hungary – 22
- Sweden – 20
- Austria – 19
- Bulgaria – 18
- Denmark, Finland, Slovakia – 13
- Ireland, Lithuania – 12
- Latvia – 9
- Slovenia – 8
- Luxembourg, Estonia, Cyprus – 6
- Malta - 6