The most powerful office in the European Union that you might not know

Countries & Cities · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The President of the European Parliament holds a unique position of influence, presiding over debates and representing the institution internationally. While often overshadowed by other EU leaders, this official wields significant authority, including the power to sign the Union budget and act as the primary voice for European democratic values.

The President of the European Parliament serves a two-and-a-half-year term, with elections occurring twice per parliamentary cycle. This role is central to the institution's function, as the President chairs debates, oversees the Bureau and the Conference of Presidents, and ensures that the Parliament's rules of procedure are strictly applied. Beyond internal management, the President represents the Parliament in all legal matters and addresses the European Council to articulate the legislative body's position on key agenda items. Crucially, the President's signature is mandatory for the adoption of the EU budget and any acts initiated under the co-decision procedure.

Protocol dictates that the President of the European Parliament ranks above all other European and national officials, reflecting the Parliament's status as the first institution of the EU. Since the 1980s, the two largest political factions—the European People's Party (EPP) and the Party of European Socialists (PES), now the S&D—have frequently shared the presidency through formal agreements. This practice has historically secured large majorities for candidates, though it has faced criticism for creating a closed-door system that limits competitive campaigning.

The office has seen 30 presidents since 1952, with only three women holding the position. Notable figures include Paul-Henri Spaak, a founding father of the Union, and Jerzy Buzek, the first president from a country that joined the EU after 1986. More recently, Roberta Metsola made history in 2022 as the youngest president ever elected and the first Maltese person to hold the office. Her 2024 re-election saw her secure the highest vote total in the history of the position, underscoring the evolving nature of this influential, yet often misunderstood, leadership role.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• The rotating presidency that governs the European Union's legislative agenda
• The 2014 European Parliament election introduced a new way to choose the Commission President.
• The European Council: Why the EU's most powerful body has no legislative authority
• Is the European Council President a powerful strategist or merely a high-level administrator?
• How 720 representatives navigate the complex, high-stakes machinery of the European Parliament
• Does the presidential system offer stability or a dangerous path toward authoritarian rule?
• How did a former accountant become the most powerful political godfather in Nigerian history?
• Why some nations have one giant city that dwarfs all others in their territory
• How the President of Mongolia balances ceremonial status with significant executive authority
• The prime minister is a modern invention that evolved from royal servants to leaders.
• The invisible fourth branch of government that holds the power to dissolve parliaments
• Why Japan's Prime Minister holds more executive power than most parliamentary leaders

More in Countries and other regions · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics