[FR] ‘Political parties at European level’? The state of play on the eve of the June 2009 European elections

With the European elections just a few days away, this study looks at political organisations that are still relatively unknown: ‘political parties at European level’. Often confused with the political groups in the European Parliament, these ‘Europarties’ have only recently been recognised, by the Maastricht Treaty and two EU regulations which have given them their own status and funding since 2003. The aim here is to take stock of these organisations, their development and the issues surrounding them. At a time when some are calling for greater ‘politicisation’ of the European Union, what role do we want these ‘Europarties’ to play? Are they a new level of party politics in the making, or should they be seen merely as a means of legitimising European elites in search of recognition? This study attempts to bring some new elements to this debate.