Foxes in the Henhouse? Comparing Eurosceptic and Non-Eurosceptic Parliamentary Behavior

The ongoing economic and Eurozone crisis has re-opened debates on the nature and raison d’être of European integration. The current context of democratic malaise and economic crisis has provided fertile ground for the mobilization of populist and Eurosceptic parties. Long seen as marginal or temporary, Euroscepticism has not only become embedded but also mainstreamed across Europe (Usherwood and Startin 2013; Brack and Startin 2015). Building on recent research on Euroscepticism in the EP, this paper aims at comparing the behaviour of Eurosceptic and non Eurosceptic MEPs and at providing explanations as to why variations exist among them. Through an analysis of MEPs behaviour under the 6th, 7th and 8th legislatures, we will also determine if MEPs’ strategies within the EP evolve over time. The paper will provide food for thought on whether the EP can handle anti-system opposition.