The European Parliament as Principal: Evolution of Executive Oversight in the EU

• In Event: (European) Parliament Funkadelic

Abstract

The evolution and institutional development of the European Parliament (EP) is a well-studied topic. Indeed, in terms of the sheer number of articles and books focused on the topic, the EP ranks as one of the most studied legislatures in contemporary history (Kreppel, 2012). However, most of this research has focused on the evolution of the EP’s legislative powers and its ability to directly influence policy outcomes through participation in the legislative process. Though important, direct legislative influence is only one of the core powers of a legislature. They also serve key roles in legitimizing the regime, linking citizens to their governments, and, critically, holding the other institutions in the political system (especially the executive branch) to account through effective oversight powers. Besides its potential to influence policy outcomes, the ability of the EP to effectively wield its formal and informal oversight powers is instrumental in assuring the quality of democratic accountability within the EU political system. This research examines the evolution of the EP’s oversight powers, focusing on both the accrual of its oversight roles over time and the changing emphasis placed on oversight by Members of the EP (MEPs) as the powers of the EP evolved. The primary goal is to understand the impact of increases in legislative power on the institutional emphasis on oversight and accountability and the resulting implications for the quality of democratic governance in the EU.

Authors

• Amie Kreppel, University of Florida

• Murad Gafarov, University of Florida