In its work, Parliament seeks to defend democracy and human rights, both in Europe and throughout the world.
Over the years, and through successive amendments to the European Treaties, the European Parliament has acquired extensive legislative and budgetary powers which enable it, together with the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting in the Council, to determine the direction of the European project. MEPs meet 12 times a year in plenary sessions in Strasbourg to debate and vote on European legislation.
