Political Parties in the European Union provides a comprehensive assessment of the importance of party politics to the functioning of the European Union which the authors argue has frequently been underestimated. Incorporating much new research material it covers not only the transnational party groups in the European Parliament but also the participants in the European Council and Council of Ministers who, the authors remind us, are not just representatives of 'national interests' but also party politicians.

Introduction - Shape of the EU Party System - Organisation of Parties in the EU - Party Groups in the European Parliament: Election and Formation - Party Groups in the European Parliament: Institutional Environment and Inner Workings - Party Groups in the European Parliament: An Evaluation of Their Performance - Parties Beyond the Parliament - Conclusion: Towards a Europe of Parties