Who has the power?

[matrixmann]

Following Wikipedia just to gain a basic knowledge, the European Parliament seems pretty useless. As the focus turns upon the election of said entity, checking out its tasks and powers you are strongly remembered of the beginnings of democracy - more than anything else.
A parliament which receives suggestions and their only possibilities are to agree or to disagree more resembles the start time of parliamentary election (when the king also still was present) than modern democracy.
Also they're damned to being not capable to bring up any own suggestions for laws and ideas in the EU, that's strictly reserved for other entities. Meaning the European Commission - which is made of people that the member states send.
So, basicly you have a useless parliament which is controlled all the time by other entities, only provided with suggestions that small commissions made behind its back and the only thing they can possibly do is exchanging the personel of these commissions.
Whoever has the idea or impression that things in the EU are made by a small amount of persons, he technically is right.

Comments

[mylesk.livejournal.com]

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

I've always heard that quote cynically myself, also.

[matrixmann]

Well, counted on the fact that leaders are a small group and their followers are hundreds, this is right.
It can be turned to each direction, whatever you like.
They key is just "influence".