European Perspective

First published in 1997, this volume provides a data-rich analysis of the party groups in the European Parliament. Their internal organisation, cohesion and coalition behaviour are examined. The main argument is that their internal organisation is a crucial factor in explaining the behaviour of EP party groups. Roll-call analysis is used to measure group cohesion and coalition behaviour. The concept of representation in the transnational EP is studied by a content analysis of members’ written questions. The concluding section sets the work into a broader context by discussing the future of Europarties.