As an MEP you are elected directly by the citizens of your state. In the Parliament you represent both your country and your political party. Together with your faction you discuss EU legislation and topics of interest of the European citizens. Factions on the European level are usually more heterogenous than the political parties of nation states and on some controversial topics it may not be possible to find a common ground within the own faction. Even though it is expected to have the same positon as your faction, it is not mandatory to do so.

As a MEP you should work together with your colleagues to reach common ground and then push for a consensus within the European Parliament and, later on, with the Council of the European Union. To reach an understanding with the Council, a few MEPs should be elected to join the Trilogue which also consists of Council Members and Commissioners.