ABSTRACT
This chapter seeks to emphasise several key points. Firstly, that Euroscepticism must be considered in the many forms that it finds its expression in beyond the party system. Secondly, that it is not a new phenomenon. Thirdly, that Eurosceptics have had notable successes in affecting policy, at both EU and national levels, and that investigating Euroscepticism as a form of policy competition can provide useful insights. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it urges the reader to appreciate that Euroscepticism is fundamentally rooted in the idiosyncrasies of the member state in which it originates. The chapter discusses two important and overlooked examples – Denmark and Ireland. In doing so it sought to investigate specific episodes of Euroscepticism – the defeat of the Maastricht and Lisbon Treaty referendums respectively – and draw wider conclusions on the nature of contestation of the EU from them.
