European Parliament celebrates 50th Birthday

7.40.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 12th Mar 2008

Colin Ross at the European Parliament

The European Parliament has today celebrated its 50th birthday. Established in 1958 as the European Assembly, with 142 members having the right to be consulted only, its ranks have swelled to 785 MEPs today and it has substantial legislative clout.

It has the power to dismiss the Commission and has to approve the EU's budget as well as having a co-say with member states in a number of policy areas, including single market issues. Under the Lisbon Treaty, the power of MEPs to co-legislate will be extended to new areas including agriculture, fisheries, structural funds and home affairs. It is the world's only directly elected multinational legislature.