All of the EU´s major political currents are represented in the Parliament, ranging from far left to far right, and numbering close to 100 political parties. These are organized in a limited number of political groups (presently eight).
Overall management of the Parliament's activities is the responsibility of the Bureau which consists of the President and 14 Vice-Presidents. All of its Members are elected for terms of two and a half years.
The chairmen of the political groups participate with the President of Parliament in the Conference of Presidents which is responsible for organizing the Parliament's work and drawing up the agenda for plenary sessions.
Much of the effective work of Parliament is conducted in its 20 committees covering all areas of the Union's activities, ranging from Agriculture to Common Foreign and Security Policy, from Legal Affairs and Citizens´ Rights to Overseas Cooperation and Development.
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