Engaging the disengaged? Explaining the participation of Eurosceptic MEPs in trilogue negotiations

Eurosceptics in the European Parliament do not represent one united bloc. Therefore, this article analyses different role perceptions of Eurosceptic MEPs and their impact on legislative work. We examine why some Eurosceptics involve themselves more actively in trilogue decision-making than others and how their involvement (or lack of it) shapes the working methods and position formation in trilogues. Using the concept of parliamentary roles as a theoretical approach, we examine under which conditions Eurosceptic MEPs participate in legislative work and the nature of their involvement by comparing three legislative negotiations: the reform of the statute and funding of EU political parties and foundations, the waste package and the Common European Asylum System package. The empirical analysis is based, first, on interviews with Eurosceptic and non-Eurosceptic representatives of the EP, officials from Commission and Council, as well as participant observation, and, second, on a content analysis of amendments submitted by Eurosceptic groups.