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General Conclusion: The Impact of Eurosceptic MEPs

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Opposing Europe in the European Parliament

Part of the book series: Palgrave Studies in European Union Politics ((PSEUP))

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Abstract

European integration process has entered a new phase, characterized by the rise of mass Euroscepticism and the unprecedented success of radical, populist parties and the mainstreaming of anti-EU sentiments across the continent. Against this backdrop, it is crucial to understand Euroscepticism, at both the national and the European levels, and to think about its consequences for the EU. After briefly summarizing the main arguments and empirical findings, this chapter provides food for thought regarding the implications of the presence of Eurosceptic MEPs. It discusses the issues of the institution’s representativeness, democratic legitimacy and politicization. It is argued here that their presence and the roles they play, rather than endangering European integration, could be an asset for the affirmation of the EU as a democratic political system, open to conflict.

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  1. Univerté Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium

    Nathalie Brack

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  1. Nathalie Brack
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Brack, N. (2018). General Conclusion: The Impact of Eurosceptic MEPs. In: Opposing Europe in the European Parliament. Palgrave Studies in European Union Politics. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-60201-5_7

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