intended Consequences of EU Parliamentary Elections

Wouter van der Brug, Claes H. de Vreese

When direct elections for the European Parliament were first organized in 1979, the idea was that they would increase the democratic legitimacy and accountability of the parliament. Moreover, the elections were expected to raise public interest, engagement and support for the EU project. Did these elections help to increase legitimacy and accountability? Did they increase interest in and support for the 'European project'? Or, did they have unintended (and perhaps undesirable) consequences? This volume focuses on the consequences of European elections for public debate and involvement, for party systems, and for public opinion.