Unlike the Council, where the national interests of the Member States are represented and set against one another, the EP represents the general interest of Europe’s citizens, and its task is to seek consensus on Community policies.
Ní hionann agus an Chomhairle, áit a ndéantar uiríoll ar leasanna náisiúnta na mBallstát agus áit a gcuirtear na leasanna sin in aghaidh a chéile, seasann Parlaimint na hEorpa do leas ginearálta shaoránaigh na hEorpa agus tá de chúram uirthi comhthoil a lorg maidir le beartais an Chomhphobail.