Yet it will play a crucial role in Britain's exit from the EU and is now electing the president who will oversee that role.
Every two-and-a-half years, the European Parliament votes to choose its president.
Usually, it's a dull foregone conclusion - the two most powerful groupings flip-flopping the presidency between them.
But this time, that's not happening. There is no clear winner.
:: What's the role the European Parliament plays in Brexit?
Once seen simply as a talking shop (at the end of a long gravy train), the parliament has become increasing powerful.
It must ratify most EU legislation, with proposed EU laws put before the parliament. So its president oversees the deals which determine EU policy.
On Brexit, its role is crucial. At the end of the two-year withdrawal process, the deal reached between the remaining members of the EU and the UK - the withdrawal treaty - must be approved by the European Parliament.
They must also give their consent to any new treaty agreed on. Brussels insiders believe MEPs will make a lot of noise and use their role to influence the positions taken by different countries and by the commission.
:: Why the vote?
The parliament is made up of 751 MEPs, of every political hue, elected from each of the 28 (soon to be 27) EU countries.
Each parliamentary term is five years, but the president and vice-president's terms are two-and-a-half years.
German socialist MEP Martin Schulz has served as president for the past five years. He announced late last year that he was stepping down to pursue a career in German politics.
:: How does the vote work?
Any MEP can stand for election as president as long as they have the backing of one of the parliament's political groupings, or a minimum of 38 MEPs.
The election takes the form of a secret ballot. The candidate with an absolute majority of votes (50% + 1) is elected.
There can be up to four rounds of voting. The fourth round is a run-off between the candidates with the most votes in the third round.
The winner is decided by simple majority. It's all done in one day.
:: How many people are running for the top job?
There are eight MEPs vying to be president - including four Italians, two Belgians, one Romanian and a Briton.
Source : News Sky