This bachelor thesis tries to describe main moments of the development of the European Parliament. The European Parliament is one of the most important institutions of the European Union. As the only European institution represents direct interests of citizens. During the development of the European integration his importance and role was changed. In the history it had to face many problems, but nowadays represents European institution, which can markedly influence functioning of the European Union. The first chapter describes the beginning of the European parliament till the period of adopting the Maastricht treaty, the second chapter is focused on the development in 90's and in the beginning of the new century. The third chapter deals wit...