This work traces the halting development of parliamentary democracy at the European level. Arguing that the key actor in this crucial process is the European parliament, the contributors concentrate on two of the classic functions of a parliament: the legislative and the representative.

Exploring the European Union's 'democratic deficit, ' this book traces the halting development of parliamentary democracy at the European level. Arguing that the key actor in this crucial process is the European Parliament, the contributors concentrate on two of the classic functions of a parliament: the legislative and the representative. The contributors analyze the ongoing tensions between party orientations and national loyalties, between national parties and European party groups, and between representatives at the national and regional level