Abstract
In this chapter, we summarise and review the most important findings of the empirical case studies. We crystallise how in all of these cases the EP had considerable success in expanding its formal and informal powers by using its strategies skilfully. Furthermore, we systematically compare which strategies the EP used to widen its powers; how this varies between cases; and what accounts for this variation. Moreover, we explain why we observe variation in the degrees of formal or informal empowerment between cases of substantive policy areas. Based on our findings, this chapter reflects on the strengths and limitations of our theoretical argument, and we reflect on three counterforces to the EP’s self-empowerment: intergovernmentalism, over-constitutionalisation and agencification. Finally, we discuss the consequences of the EP’s successful self-empowerment. Despite existing counterforces, we argue that, by using certain strategies, the EP has been pushing the EU in the direction of parliamentary democracy. While we cannot see a fully fledged EU-wide parliamentary democracy any time soon, we contend that the EP has, on its own account and cooperating with actors with similar preferences, made significant progress in that direction.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Bartolini, S. (2006). Should the Union Be ‘Politicised’? Prospects and Risks. Politics: The Right or the Wrong Sort of Medicine for the EU? (Notre Europe Policy Paper, 2006(19)). Paris.
Bickerton, C. J., Hodson, D., & Puetter, U. (2015). The New Intergovernmentalism: European Integration in the Post-Maastricht Era. Journal of Common Market Studies, 53(4), 703–722.
Dinan, D. (2011). Governance and Institutions: Implementing the Lisbon Treaty in the Shadow of the Euro Crisis. Journal of Common Market Studies, 49(Annual Review), 103–121.
Fabbrini, S. (2017). Intergovernmentalism in the European Union: A Comparative Federalism Perspective. Journal of European Public Policy, 24(4), 580–597.
Fasone, C. (2014). European Economic Governance and Parliamentary Representation: What Place for the European Parliament? European Law Journal, 20(2), 164–185.
Grimm, D. (2015). The Democratic Costs of Constitutionalization: The European Case. European Law Journal, 21(4), 460–473.
Mair, P. (2007). Political Opposition and the European Union. Government and Opposition, 42(1), 1–17.
Puetter, U. (2014). The European Council and the Council: New Intergovernmentalism and Institutional Change. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Riddervold, M., & Rosén, G. (2016). Trick and Treat: How the Commission and the European Parliament Exert Influence in EU Foreign and Security Policies. Journal of European Integration, 38(6), 687–702.
Ripoll Servent, A., & Trauner, F. (2014). Do Supranational Institutions Make A Difference? EU Asylum Law Before and After ‘Communitarization’. Journal of European Public Policy, 21(8), 1142–1162.
Rittberger, B., & Schimmelfennig, F. (2006). Explaining the constitutionalization of the European Union. Journal of European Public Policy, 13(8), 1148–1167.
Scharpf, F. W. (2016). De-Constitutionalization and Majority Rule: A Democratic Vision for Europe (MPIfG Discussion Paper, 2016(14)). Cologne.
Schmidt, S. K. (2018). The European Court of Justice and the Policy Process: The Shadow of Case Law. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Smith-Meyer, B. (2018, February 13). Capital’s Power Grab for Eurozone Enforcer. Politico.
Trauner, F. (2012). The European Parliament and Agency Control in the Area of Freedom. Security and Justice. West European Politics, 35(4), 784–802.
Wessels, W. (2015). The European Council. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2019 The Author(s)
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Héritier, A., Meissner, K.L., Moury, C., Schoeller, M.G. (2019). Conclusion: European Parliament Ascendant?. In: European Parliament Ascendant. European Administrative Governance. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-16777-6_9
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-16777-6_9
Published:
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-16776-9
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-16777-6
eBook Packages: Political Science and International StudiesPolitical Science and International Studies (R0)