The European Parliament plays a crucial role in the process of appointing the Commission. After approving the nomination for Commission President, Parliament holds hearings with the nominee Commissioners and then appoints the Commission by a vote of confidence.

This power is in addition to Parliament's right to censure the Commission a powerful political weapon since the adoption of a motion of censure would force the Commission to resign.

To date, no motion of censure has been adopted by the European Parliament. This would require the support of an absolute majority of Members and two-thirds of the votes cast. However, in March 1999, following a report on the Commission's management by a committee of independent experts mandated by Parliament, the Commission opted to resign rather than face formal censure by Parliament.

On a daily basis, Parliament exercises its supervisory powers by examining a large number of monthly or annual reports which the Commission is obliged to submit to it (for example, its annual General Report and the monthly reports on the implementation of the budget).

In addition, Members of the European Parliament can put written or oral questions to the Commission. During plenary sessions, 'Question Time' provides a forum for a series of questions and answers on topical matters between Members of Parliament and members of the Commission. More than 5000 questions are put by individual Members and the political groups every year.

Parliament's expanded budgetary and legislative powers have increased its influence over the Council. The co-decision procedure in particular has helped to create a balance of legislative power between the Council and the European Parliament.

The aim of European political cooperation, which started in the early 1970s, was to go beyond the economic and social framework set up by the Community Treaties to achieve a genuinely common strategy of the Member States in the field of foreign policy. The Treaty on European Union recognises the need to incorporate into foreign policy a jointly operated common security dimension. Such cooperation extends in principle to all areas of international policy involving the interests of the European Union, and represents a natural extension of Community activity.

The great importance that Parliament attaches to the CFSP is reflected in its debates, particularly those which take place in the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy.

The Council Presidency consults the European Parliament on the main aspects of the common foreign and security policy and ensures that Parliament's views are taken into consideration. Parliament is regularly informed by the Presidency and the Commission of developments in the Union's foreign and security policy. The Amsterdam Treaty created the office of High Representative for the common foreign and security policy. The first holder of this position is Xavier Solana, who was appointed by the Cologne European Council in June 1999.

The European Parliament can put questions to the Council or make recommendations to it. It holds an annual debate on progress in implementing the CFSP.

Parliament is regularly consulted and informed on the cooperation between the justice and home affairs authorities of the Member States of the Union. It can ask questions of the Council or make recommendations to it. Parliament also holds a debate each year on the progress made in these fields.

Parliament has been given an important role in relation to the European Central Bank (ECB) as part of EMU.

The Bank enjoys total independence in its monetary policy decisions. It has sole authority to set short-term interest rates and use other monetary instruments necessary to maintain the stability of the euro.

However, the ECB's operational independence is counterbalanced by its accountability to the European Parliament. Parliament's rules of procedure clearly define its role in the appointment of the ECB's President, Vice-President and the other members of the executive board. After committee hearings, the nominees have to be approved by Parliament before they can be appointed by the Council.

The ECB President is required to present an annual report to the plenary sitting of Parliament. In addition, the ECB President and other members of the executive board appear before Parliament's monetary affairs committee at regular intervals. This can be at the request of either side and at least four such meetings must be held every year.