The European Parliament is one of the key legislative bodies of the European Union, representing the interests of EU citizens. It is directly elected by the people of the member states and plays a crucial role in shaping EU laws and policies. Comprising 705 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), it works alongside the European Commission and the Council of the European Union to ensure democratic representation and accountability within the EU framework. The Parliament debates and votes on various issues, from trade agreements to environmental regulations, influencing the direction of European integration.