European Representation in EU National Parliaments

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xvi

   PDF

2. Introduction

   • Lucy Kinski

   Pages 1-17

3. Theoretical Framework

   • Lucy Kinski

   Pages 19-79

4. Data and Methodology

   • Lucy Kinski

   Pages 81-115

5. Focus and Style of Representation in EU Politics

   • Lucy Kinski

   Pages 117-140

6. Explaining MPs’ Representative Behavior in EU Politics

   • Lucy Kinski

   Pages 141-191

7. Explaining MPs’ Representative Conception in EU Politics

   • Lucy Kinski

   Pages 193-231

8. Discussion and Conclusion

   • Lucy Kinski

   Pages 233-251

9. Back Matter

   Pages 253-308

   PDF

This book provides an original argument that rejects the idea of national MPs having but one ‘standard’ mode of representation. It acknowledges the national electoral connection, but considers representation beyond national borders. The author empirically investigates such patterns of representation in MPs’ parliamentary speech-making behavior and their attitudes in Austria, Germany, Ireland and the UK. The book analyzes representative claims in parliamentary debates on the Constitutional Treaty, the Lisbon Treaty and the Eurozone crisis, and relies on qualitative interviews with members of the European affairs and budget committees. It finds a Eurosceptic Europeanization in that national MPs from the Eurosceptic left particularly represent other EU citizens.

• European Union politics
• political representation
• European constituency
• European integration
• role of national parliaments in the EU
• globalization
• EU multi-level governance
• Eurosceptic Europeanization
• comparative party politics
• public discourse

“Kinski’s book is a timely and important contribution not only to our understanding of European integration and politics but also to our understanding of the theory and practice of parliamentary representation in Europe.” (Christoph Konrath, International Journal of Parliamentary Studies, Vol. 2 (1), 2022)

“This excellent book provides a highly innovative perspective on parliamentary representation in EU politics. Do national MPs' patterns of representation reflect interdependencies in EU politics, where political decisions may have a profound impact beyond the domestic constituency? This is a must-read for anyone interested in representation, legislative studies and democracy in the EU.” (Katrin Auel, Associate Professor, Institute for Advanced Studies Vienna, Austria)

“Lucy Kinski challenges established notions of representation by analyzing national parliaments as democratic building blocks of the EU. On the basis of close empirical analysis and in a highly readable style, her innovative study shows how EU parliamentarians do not merely promote the interests of their own voters but also creatively engage with concerns beyond their constituency.” (Ben Crum, Professor of Political Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands)

“This book will be of greatvalue for anyone interested in parliaments and representation in general, and the EU in particular. It presents a fresh and innovative look at national parliamentary representation in a globalized world, and uncovers patterns of cross-border representation. In filling this gap, it also appeals to those that deal with issues of international politics and global governance.” (Markus Jachtenfuchs, Professor of European and Global Governance, Hertie School, and Director, Jacques Delors Centre, Berlin, Germany)​

• Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany

  Lucy Kinski

Lucy Kinski is Senior Researcher and Lecturer at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, and Fellow at the Düsseldorf Party Research Institute, Germany.

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