Conclusions — Lessons for European Parties

Abstract

The above study has shown that very different responses are employed to similar problems between the two parties. It can be held that both national delegations have adapted to the EP system by acting as European level actors: they show solidarity with their group colleagues, enter into inner- and intergroup alliances and perceive issues often from a European perspective. They are no strangers to the extremely consensual politics characteristic of the Parliament and also of the level. Their main concern is the improvement of European legislation; most MEPs from the two delegations affirm that parochial thinking must be left at the door, and that they become frustrated by the insular thinking of their national parties. To this extent then, the MEPs from our two parties have been affected by the EP system, they have learned and internalised ‘the rules of the game’ and act appropriately to their main arena. Consequently, cross-areal co-ordination and understanding is at times difficult: MEPs adapt to their institutional setting and at the same time detach from their national parties.