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In the Shadow of Public Opinion: The European Parliament, Civil Society Organizations, and the Politicization of Trilogues

Author

Listed:
  • Justin Greenwood

    (Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University, UK)

  • Christilla Roederer-Rynning

    (Department of Political Science and Public Management, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark)

Abstract

This article examines the relations between the European Parliament (EP) and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the EU’s legislative process. It focuses specifically on legislative trilogues, an informal institution bringing together the representatives of the EP, Council, and Commission in a secluded setting to conclude legislative agreements. Trilogues have become the modus operandi and an absolutely pivotal part of the EU law-making process: they are where the deals are made. While secluded decision-making offers plenty of opportunities for EU institutions to depoliticize law-making, we argue that trilogues have become politicized, partly from the relationship between the EP and CSOs. We flesh out this argument on the basis of insights from the politicization and the historical institutionalist literatures, advance two ideal types of trilogue politics, and explore these types on the basis of a preliminary examination of a comprehensive interview material.

Suggested Citation

  • Justin Greenwood & Christilla Roederer-Rynning, 2019. "In the Shadow of Public Opinion: The European Parliament, Civil Society Organizations, and the Politicization of Trilogues," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 7(3), pages 316-326.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:poango:v7:y:2019:i:3:p:316-326
    DOI: 10.17645/pag.v7i3.2175
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Christine Neuhold & Guri Rosén, 2019. "Introduction to “Out of the Shadows, Into the Limelight: Parliaments and Politicisation”," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 7(3), pages 220-226.
    2. Edoardo Bressanelli & Nicola Chelotti & Wilhelm Lehmann, 2021. "Managing Disintegration: How the European Parliament Responded and Adapted to Brexit," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 9(1), pages 16-26.

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