Opposing Europe in the European Parliament

The book provides an in-depth analysis of Eurosceptics’ strategies in the European Parliament. It explores the paradoxical situation of Eurosceptic MEPs: particularly successful during EP elections, how then, once elected, do they operate in a political system they oppose? This book analyses how Eurosceptic MEPs conceive and carry out their mandate within the institution. On the basis of more than 100 interviews, it proposes a typology of four strategies developed by these actors. It also explains the diversity of Eurosceptics’ strategies, showing the relevance of the interaction between the institutional context and the individuals’ preferences. With the growing success of Eurosceptic parties and the challenges they pose to the future of integration, this study also reflects on the consequences of their presence for the EP and for the legitimacy of the EU. This book will be of interest to students and scholars of European politics, European integration, comparative politics, legislative studies and political parties.

Nathalie Brack is currently FNRS Researcher and Lecturer in political science at the Cevipol, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium. Her PhD dissertation on Eurosceptic MEPs was awarded the Xavier Mabille Prize of the Belgian Political Science Association and was shortlisted for the 2014 ECPR Jean Blondel prize. Her research interests include Euroscepticism, EU politics and institutions, and legislative studies.