How the European Parliament has real power over our lives

"What does the European Parliament do and how does it affect your everyday life?" (PDF)

Author: Open Europe

Publication date: April 2009

This report tries to rebut the often held opinion that the European Parliament has no actual power. The report claims MEPs now have a "veto" over national governments on about 75% of all European legislation and that the Lisbon Treaty will increase the power of the European Parliament still further. The report contains several recommendations to make the European Parliament less distant and more transparent such as a 20% cut in salary for MEPs and full disclosure of their salaries, pension provisions and expense entitlements.