ABSTRACT
This chapter examines whether European integration has affected, and still is affecting, the consensus mode of politics in the parliaments of the Low Countries. A central feature of consensus politics is the avoidance of open conflict and the involvement of stakeholders in decision making. In Lijphart's work, legislative, executive relationships are more balanced in consensus democracies compared to majoritarian systems. European integration can thus have several institutional and behavioural effects on consensus politics in parliamentary arenas. One principle of parliamentary consensus politics is the norm of proportionality in allocating parliamentary positions. Generally, in all three countries, parliaments have adapted rules and procedures in order to deal effectively with the expansion of European affairs. Despite the fact that political elite and the general public in Luxembourg are known for their support of European integration, and although European legislation is said to be quite technical in character, this only translates into a slightly higher unanimous support of bills with European content.
