ABSTRACT
The European Parliament is the institution normally regarded as strengthening parliamentarism and democracy in what otherwise is considered an overtly bureaucratic and secretive European Union system. The deepening of European integration has forced even the most reluctant parties to take part in the discussion on the future of the continent. While members of the Parliament (MEPs) top priority must be contributing to European-level policy making, by informing the Commission of problems arising at local level, MEPs are performing an important function as representatives of the people. The internal organisation of the Parliament shows the ascendancy of party groups. Party groups have their own hierarchical structures, with the group Bureaux, whips, internal group meetings, and national party delegations each playing an essential role. Formulating a party group position is thereby in practice often left to the heads of national party delegations who have received their mandates from their respective delegations.
