The organisation, known as an intergroup, will be made up of MEPs from different parties and countries who share an interest in architectural and planning issues.
Jonathan Labray, head of government relations at the RIBA, is behind the project. He said the intergroup would have a strong influence on European planning and building regulation and legislation on regeneration funding.
It would also facilitate the exchange of architectural and planning best practice within member states.
He said: "Intergroups are a bit like all-party groups in the UK, but they are taken more seriously in Europe. Over here, it's just MPs meeting for a chat; in Europe, they produce reports which can be laid before the European parliament and have a real impact on EU legislation."
Labray said the European intergroup would also offer an opportunity to influence the European parliament to adopt the urban regeneration principles put forward by Lord Rogers' urban taskforce.
"The end result will be to provide decent housing in the urban and rural environment. If we can debate what constitutes good planning laws, the importance of good design and learn from other countries, then that is worth debating," he added.
Labray is in discussion with MEPs in the UK to gauge the relevance of an intergroup for architecture and planning, and he is already talking to one English MEP who would be willing to chair the group.
The nucleus of the group will be UK MEPs. Once these have been recruited, MEPs from other countries will be approached and then the European parliament will be asked to provide funding and office facilities.
Labray expects to have the architecture intergroup up and running by autumn this year, or at the latest spring next year. It will then meet on a regular basis and identify international best practice.
The idea of a lobbying group for architecture in the European parliament was welcomed by Keith Williams, founding partner of Pawson Williams Architects.
He said: "In principle, the ability of designers and architects to influence politicians at the highest level has been low historically, so any initiative that might increase the awareness of urban design is welcomed.
"The nub of the matter is the effectiveness they bring to the process. It seems the group would need a figurehead – and it doesn't have to be an architect – just someone with some clout who can put issues on the agenda."
