Since 1979, when it was first elected by universal surage, the European Parliament has gained more and more powers, particularly as co-legislator with the Council of the European Union and as budgetary authority.
Ó 1979 i leith, bliain inar toghadh í trí vótáil chomhchoiteann den chéad uair riamh, tá níos mó agus níos mó cumhachtaí faighte ag Parlaimint na hEorpa, go háirithe mar chomhreachtóir le Comhairle an Aontais Eorpaigh agus mar údarás buiséadach.