National Parliaments and the European Union

… a solid comparative collection, providing up to date and in-depth illustration of the potential, and problems, involved in thinking about parliamentary democracy in established EU member countries.

Fiona Butler, University of Wales, International Affairs

“To anyone seriously interested in the question of which Parliament should be legislating for Europe the book is a must”

European Parliament Section, The European

Government and Opposition, Vol 32, No 3, 1997

“Adds much to our understanding and … fills a gap which has existed for a number of years.”

European Parliament – EP News

“To anyone seriouly interested in the question of which parliament should be legislating for Europe, this book is a must.”

Talking Politics, Vol 9, No 1, Autumn 96

“A very good text … For students of both European Union politics and comparative politics this text will be very useful.

National parliaments are central to the political systems of western Europe. Yet what role have they played in the development of the European Union? This volume is the first to study in depth how national parliaments have adapted to the effects of the Single European Act and the Maastricht Treaty. Detailed studies of ten parliaments allow generalisations to be drawn about national parliaments – how they have adapted, or not adapted, to European integration. The authors provide depth, looking at each parliament from the time of membership and identifying the key stages of institutional change. The country studies are complemented by an analysis of how changes are viewed from the institutions of the European Union and chapters that establish the context of change and pinpoint the reasons why national parliaments have changed – and the problems facing them as means of remedying the perceived ‘democratic deficit’ within the EU. National parliaments figure prominently in the debate about the democratic deficit and the future of the European Union. This volume provides, for the first time, the material that is essential for an informed debate.