ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview if the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book suggests the path dependency of journalistic styles, supporting the notion that understanding how political communication actors approach European issues requires appreciation of the mediating effect of national characteristics. The implication is that political communication during elections campaigns at the local level is shaped by partly different factors than political communication at the regional or national level, and that political communication during election campaigns at the different levels is shaped by systemic factors that vary across countries. The book shows that the European Parliament (EP), once known as the Assembly and commonly regarded as an essentially powerless debating society has evolved considerably and that it now holds great influence in policymaking within the EU. It focuses on campaign strategies in two member states which are known for their skeptical attitudes towards EU-membership, namely Great Britain and the Czech Republic.
