To be recognised as a group, it must consist of at least 25 MEPs and have members respresenting at least one-quarter of member states (today at least seven). Once a political group has been set up, the EP president must be informed about its name, composition and leadership.
Each group takes care of its own internal organisation by appointing a chair or co-chairs, a bureau, and it is also provided with a secretariat.
Political groups play an important role in setting the Parliament's agenda, choosing the EP president, vice-presidents, committee chairs and rapporteurs, and in the allocation of speaking time for debates. Also, groups enjoy additional support.
Some MEPs do not belong to any political group and are known as non-attached.
In the outgoing Parliament, there are seven political groups, representing more than 100 different parties from 28 member states.
REF. : 20140528STO48635
