In this context, it is more important than ever to study the linkage between citizens and representatives, especially through an analysis of the mechanisms of parliamentary representation (Shapiro et al. 2010). Indeed, parliamentary representation remains the main vehicle for citizens’ participation in European politics and plays a key role in the EU’s legitimization.
Although there has been research on parliamentary representation and responsivess at the EU level most tend to focus on the representativeness of the EP, through an analysis of the social composition of the chamber or to concentrate on the political congruence between MEPs and citizens (Walczak & van der Brug 2012). Other scholars starting from the assumption of an electoral disconnection concentrate on the relation between MEPs, the national party and the EP group (Hix et al. 2007). But they tend to have a restrictive vision of representation and focus on one specific aspect of the parliamentary mandate.
This paper aims therefore to contribute to this recent literature by examining the territorial dimension of the European mandate. This dimension, generally considered as central to the process of representation, has been neglected so far in the EP. To do so, we will examine MEPs’ parliamentary questions between 1994 and 2011 to determine which interests and concerns MEPs represent in the policy-making.
