What is the main function of the European Parliament?

The main function of the European Parliament is to pass laws and supervise institutions. This legislative body plays a crucial role in the law-making process of the European Union. It participates in adopting EU legislation, which includes both primary and secondary laws. Additionally, the European Parliament has the authority to review and amend legislative proposals, which ensures that various interests and perspectives within the EU are considered.

Moreover, the European Parliament holds important oversight powers over the European Commission and other institutions, monitoring their activities and ensuring accountability. This function of supervising institutions is integral to maintaining democratic representation and governance within the EU, as it allows elected representatives to engage with and influence the broader decision-making process.

While proposing legislation is indeed a function that is shared among different EU institutions, the role of the Parliament primarily focuses on the approval and amendment of legislation put forth, as it acts on proposals initiated by the Commission or other entities. Setting political direction, while significant, is more characteristic of the European Council. Managing the euro and monetary policy is specifically the responsibility of the European Central Bank, not the Parliament.