Green parties and politics in the European Union

Book abstract:

Green Parties and politics in the European Union:
The European Union offers both real opportunities and serious strategic dilemmas for green parties. Ecological problems demand transnational solutions and the EU has taken a central role in policy sectors related to the environment. At the same time, the EU's increasing centralisation, bureaucratisation and prioritisation of economic growth violates deeply held green principles. What then are the strategies left open to green parties operating within the EU.

This book explores the transnational goals, strategies and impact of green actors working at the EU level. It begins with an overview of the development of green politics and activists within the EU. The author, drawing on extensive research, field work and interviews with leading green politicians, NGO members, environmental and industrial lobbyists, EU officials and MEPs, argues that the 'greening' of European politics and the advancement of European integration are inextricably linked and that the EU presents a strategic dilemma to green parties. In short, how can Greens reconcile their radical, alternative politics with the EU's incrementalist ethos and traditional practices? This dilemma informs all aspects of the Greens' European policy, their visions of an alternative Europe, their parliamentary and extra-parliamentary strategies, and their impact on European policies and politics.

Bomberg, Elizabeth
Green Parties and politics in the European Union
European Public Policy Series
Routledge, 1998
ISBN: 0-415-10264-2(Hbk)/0-415-10265-0 (Pbk)
Price: £47.50 (Hbk)/£15.99 (Pbk)