What is the European Parliament?

The European Parliament is an institution of the European Union, which is dual in nature:

> It is the only institution whose members are elected by direct universal suffrage for a 5-year term in office.

> It is the only institution whose powers have been extended as the treaties have been signed.

The last European elections took place from 23 to 26 May 2019 in the 27 Member States of the European Union and the United Kingdom, which was still a member at the time. European citizens were called upon to elect the 751 MEPs – their number decreased to 705 when the UK left the EU – who will represent them until 2024.

From 6 to 9 June 2024, European citizens will elect 720 MEPs to represent them until 2029.

Distribution of seats per country

Member StatesComposition of parliament for the legislature 2024-2029Composition of parliament for the legislature 2019-2024Composition of parliament for the legislature 2014-2019Composition of parliament for the legislature 2009-2014
Germany96969699
France81797474
Italy76767373
Spain61595454
Poland53522151
Romania33333233
Netherlands31292626
Belgium22212122
Greece21212122
Hungary21212122
Portugal21212122
Czech Republic21212122
Sweden21212020
Austria20191819
Bulgaria17171718
Denmark15141313
Finland15141313
Slovakia15141313
Ireland14131112
Croatia12121112
Lithuania11111112
Latvia9889
Slovenia9888
Estonia7766
Cyprus6666
Luxembourg6666
Malta6666
Total720705751766
Source: European Parliament
Data assembled and put together by the Robert Schuman Foundation, © FRS

The European Parliament’s position in the institutional running of the European Union

Source : Fondation Robert Schuman