The European Parliament is the only institution of the European Union which is elected. EU Citizens from all Member States can take part in elections every five years to select which national candidates will serve as Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

The European Parliament has been steadily gaining power over recent decades and now acts as a co-legislator for nearly all EU law. Together with the Council, the Parliament adopts or amends proposals from the Commission. Parliament also supervises the work of the Commission and adopts the European Union's budget.

Representatives of the European Parliament have been involved in the work of the ELI on several occasions, and its members are regularly invited to participate in ELI conferences and events.