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Signalling Questions in the Recovery and Resilience Dialogues: What MEPs Ask When They Are Not Asking for Accountability

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  • Ermela Gianna

Abstract

Parliamentary questions are often seen as instruments of executive accountability. Yet in the European Parliament's (EP's) Recovery and Resilience Dialogues, many questions appear to pursue alternative purposes. This article addresses this gap by asking: to what extent do Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) utilise parliamentary dialogues for purposes beyond accountability, and how do these alternative purposes manifest in their questions? To answer this, it introduces the concept of signalling questions – forward‐looking and expressive interventions that aim to influence policy debates, demonstrate responsiveness to different publics or assert the EP's institutional role. Based on a qualitative content analysis of 447 questions raised between 2021 and 2024, the article identifies three principal signalling purposes: policy‐seeking, vote‐seeking and power‐seeking. Policy‐seeking questions were the most prominent, particularly amongst centre‐left and pro‐integrationist MEPs. Vote‐seeking questions reflected both supranational and national concerns, especially in contexts of contested implementation. Power‐seeking questions were comparatively rare, suggesting a more cautious performance of the EP's institutional role. These questions complement, rather than replace, accountability‐seeking. The findings contribute to research on parliamentary behaviour, representation and the evolving role of the EP within multilevel European Union governance.

Suggested Citation

  • Ermela Gianna, 2026. "Signalling Questions in the Recovery and Resilience Dialogues: What MEPs Ask When They Are Not Asking for Accountability," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 64(3), pages 1028-1047, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jcmkts:v:64:y:2026:i:3:p:1028-1047
    DOI: 10.1111/jcms.70063
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    References listed on IDEAS

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