From a parliamentary perspective, multilateral military operations pose a particular challenge. This study undertakes a comparative analysis of parliamentary involvement in decisions on the deployment of armed forces in five selected EU Member States and identifies differences in formal and informal parliamentary involvement. The overall conclusion is that, in practice, these operations are largely pre-decided politically at the European level by the governments. Remarkably, the European Parliament is one of the most active parliamentary actors despite its lack of participation rights, although these activities have not had any measurable influence. In addition, the UNIFIL and EUFOR RD CONGO operations show that, in practice, the national parliaments have additional instruments for participation in EU affairs compared to the EU-UN. On the basis of the Treaty of Lisbon, closer cooperation between European and national parliaments in EU security and defense policy is therefore recommended.
Legitimizers without influence?
A comparison of national parliaments in decision-making processes on EU and UN military operations
By Dr. Nicolai von Ondarza
2012, 364 p., Softcover,
ISBN 978-3-8329-6592-1
(Series European Writings, Vol. 91)
Share publication
