The Impact of EU Politicisation on Voting Behaviour in Europe

This book explores the impact of EU politicization on voting behavior in six EU countries, arguing that national elections and the national political environment are key to understanding EU accountability. It establishes the paths of European accountability at the national level, identifies propitious contexts in the media and parliamentary debates, and assesses whether these paths are similar across countries. The findings have implications for both national and European Union democracy, emphasizing the role of national institutions in enabling citizens to hold the EU accountable.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 337 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive open-access book delves into the significant rise of EU politicization in European democracies and its profound impact on voting behavior across six EU member states: Belgium, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, and Spain. While much research has centered on examining the legitimacy of the European Union through the lens of European Parliament elections, this book takes a different approach. It argues that to truly comprehend how EU accountability functions, it is essential to examine national elections and the broader national political context. Through a rigorous and multifaceted analysis, this book establishes the pathways of European accountability at the national level, identifies the favorable conditions for these pathways in the media and parliamentary debates, and assesses whether these paths are similar across different countries, such as Greece and Germany.

The findings of this study have far-reaching implications for both national and European Union democracy. They underscore the crucial role that national institutions play in empowering citizens to hold the EU accountable. By understanding the dynamics and factors that shape EU accountability at the national level, policymakers and citizens can work together to strengthen democratic governance and ensure that the EU operates in the interests of its citizens.

The book is organized into five chapters, each exploring a different aspect of EU accountability at the national level. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the topic and highlights the significance of studying EU accountability in the context of European democracies. Chapter 2 explores the theoretical framework and key concepts related to EU accountability, including the role of national institutions, media, and parliamentary debates. Chapter 3 presents a detailed analysis of the empirical data collected from the six EU member states, using a multimethod approach that includes surveys, interviews, and content analysis. Chapter 4 discusses the findings and implications of the study, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for EU accountability at the national level. Chapter 5 concludes by offering recommendations for policymakers and citizens to enhance EU accountability and promote democratic governance.

Overall, this book provides a valuable contribution to the literature on EU accountability and offers insights into the complex dynamics that shape voting behavior in the EU. It will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and citizens alike who are interested in understanding the role of the EU in contemporary European democracies and the challenges and opportunities for holding it accountable.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 148 x 210 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031291890
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023