National Parliaments in the European Union: Analysing the relation between euroscepticism and parliamentary strength

This thesis concentrates on parliamentary control in EU matters by focussing on the adoption of the new roles for national parliaments stipulated in the Lisbon Treaty. To seek an explanation for the differences in scrutiny strength across member states, this master thesis investigates whether parliamentary control is in relation with the eurosceptic nature of national parliaments and its public. It is important to examine the eurosceptic nature of national parliaments, as it can be argued that national parliaments with an eurosceptic public wish to have European matters handled in their national institutions, whereas national parliaments with a pro-European tendency are more willing to delegate authority to EU institutions. In addition, it is also important to examine this subject as many national parliaments are facing the problem of agency loss and are searching for ways to become stronger represented in the EU. In this master thesis, it is examined whether national parliaments...Show moreThis thesis concentrates on parliamentary control in EU matters by focussing on the adoption of the new roles for national parliaments stipulated in the Lisbon Treaty. To seek an explanation for the differences in scrutiny strength across member states, this master thesis investigates whether parliamentary control is in relation with the eurosceptic nature of national parliaments and its public. It is important to examine the eurosceptic nature of national parliaments, as it can be argued that national parliaments with an eurosceptic public wish to have European matters handled in their national institutions, whereas national parliaments with a pro-European tendency are more willing to delegate authority to EU institutions. In addition, it is also important to examine this subject as many national parliaments are facing the problem of agency loss and are searching for ways to become stronger represented in the EU. In this master thesis, it is examined whether national parliaments with a strong eurosceptic character are stronger represented in the EU. In other words, is parliamentary control on EU affairs strengthened by public opinion?Show less

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National Parliaments in the European Union: Analysing the relation between euroscepticism and parliamentary strength