The European Parliament is the directly elected parliamentary institution of the European Union that, along with the Council and Commission, exercises the EU's legislative functions. It has been directly elected every five years since 1979. The Parliament has three places of work in Brussels, Luxembourg, and Strasbourg and consists of members from various political groups like the EPP and S&D. While it can amend or reject legislation, it needs the Commission to initiate bills. Its powers have expanded with each new treaty.