The European Parliament (EP) represents the citizens of Europe, who elect their representatives every five years to become Members of the European Parliament (MEP). In this election, each EU member state is allocated a different number of seats, proportional to the population of the country.

Although most candidates are part of national parties, once elected to the EP the majority aggregate into political groups such as the European People’s Party (EPP) and the Socialists & Democrats (S&D). The main role of the EP is to pass European legislation (together with the Council of the European Union) following proposals from the European Commission. It also has a control function over the executive and is able to supervise other EU institutions. The Parliament, together with the Council of the EU, decides on the Multiannual Financial Framework (seven-year financial envelope) and the EU’s annual budget. It then also scrutinises their implementation.

Fulfilling its capacity of representing the European citizens, the EP votes on proposals from the European Commission related to 5G. For example, in June 2017, the Parliament adopted the Commission's strategy and targets on implementing 5G to transform Europe into a Gigabit Society. While agreeing to the overall proposal of the Commission, the EP also asked for a specific schedule and to be regularly informed about progress of its implementation, ensuring standardisation efforts across member states are accelerated and  implemented in a regulatory environment that is both investment-friendly and facilitates fair competition.