The **European Parliament (EP)** is the European Union's directly elected legislative body, comprising **720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs)** who represent over 450 million citizens across 27 member states.[1][2][4] Elected every five years—most recently in 2024—it shares **equal legislative and budgetary powers** with the Council of the EU, approving laws proposed by the European Commission, international agreements, EU enlargements, and the multiannual budget.[1][4][5] Founded in **1952** as the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community, it was renamed the European Parliament in **1962**, with the first direct elections held in **1979**—a milestone enhancing democratic legitimacy.[1][2] Over decades, treaties like Maastricht expanded its clout: from advisory roles to **co-decision** (now ordinary legislative procedure) across key areas like the internal market, environment, digital tech, data protection (e.g., GDPR), energy transition, and AI regulation—vital for businesses navigating EU-wide standards.[2][5][6] Key achievements include electing Commission Presidents via the **Spitzenkandidaten** process (e.g., Jean-Claude Juncker in 2014), scrutinizing executive actions through inquiries (mad cow disease led to a veterinary agency), and vetoing trade deals or budget misuse.[2][6] It approves Commission rosters post-hearings, ensuring accountability, and monitors monetary policy with the European Central Bank.[1][2] Currently led by **President Roberta Metsola** (since 2022), the EP operates via **20 committees** (e.g., on Industry, Research, and Energy; Internal Market and Consumer Protection) that draft amendments, feeding into monthly plenary sessions in **Strasbourg** (plenary votes) and **Brussels** (committees).[1][3] Its **supervisory powers**—questio