Choice and representation in the EU

Book abstract:

'The European Parliament is a well appointed club for the use of the political classes with renowned expense accounts' might well be the public perception of the EU Assembly. How relevant it is to the ordinary lives of the European electorate can probably be assessed by the repeatedly low turnout for MEP elections. Such issues perhaps expressed in more serious terms are addressed in this volume of essays by MPs, MEPs and Brussels 'watchers'.

Chapter one looks at the basic issues of representation and the efficacy of the European Parliament both now and in the future. This is followed by a contribution from Hugh Dykes, a former Conservative MP who held a dual mandate prior to direct EP elections. He reflects on the Parliament's record in its early days and the problems arising from the attitude of Member States' governments at that time. A former MEP and now a Westminster MP, Anne McIntosh recalls her experience as a holder of a dual mandate and makes a strong argument for continuance of the dual mandate. An interesting perspective follows with the contribution from Richard Inglewood, an active hereditary peer and elected MEP, who compares the two representative roles and considers the functioning of the EU in a broader context. An insight into the 'identity' crisis facing MEPs - 'Whose representative am I?' is given in the article by Richard Corbett MEP. Tom Spencer's article is from an obvious enthusiast for the European Parliament, who foresees an EP of growing importance in the challenges to democracy posed by increasing globalisation. Another former MEP, Carol Tongue, reflects on her experience as an MEP and currently as a lobbyist, and comments upon the role of lobbyists and special interest groups. Someone from one of those special interest groups might be Richard Seebohm, formerly Brussels Representative of the Quaker Council for European Affairs, and he discusses in his contribution the efforts of the Quaker Council to influence some aspects of EU policy.

The questions posed at the outset of this review are more specifically addressed in the concluding chapter by Michael Steed.

This book will interest students, scholars, and practitioners of European Studies.

Federal Trust books are distributed in the UK by Kogan Page.

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