Interest Representation

Abstract

This chapter looks at the representation of societal interests at the European level. Interest groups play a central role in the policy-making process in all democratic political systems, where private organizations represent ‘civil society’ against the interests of the state. Civil society at the European level is highly developed. Brussels in this sense is like Washington. But, does EU policy-making suffer some of the problems of American government — such as those who spend most on lobbying reap the biggest rewards? Or, is the EU more like most national European systems, where the relationship between interests and the state is more ‘consensual’?

Theories of interest intermediation

Lobbying Europe: interest groups and EU policy-making

National interests and the consociational cartel

Explaining the pattern of interest representation

Conclusion: a mix of representational styles