The Effects of Populism and Euroscepticism on the Politicization of the EU

Politicization of the EU has become an important subject in debates about the future of the European governance. This paper addresses the unprecedented politicization-push that the EU has been experiencing through the emergence of sovereignty, identity and solidarity conflicts in the context of the poly-crises - from negative referenda outcomes to the global financial and economic crisis as well as against the backdrop of the migration crisis. The share of votes for parties opposed to EU integration has steadily increased over the last decade, while many Europeans are getting disenchanted of the Union and distrustful of its institutions and policymakers. At the same time tension between the national and the European level are rising. Euroscepticism - in all its forms, from moderate to extremist - is no longer a fringe phenomenon but a political reality. It has become one of the most striking developments in modern European politics, and for the coming years it is here to stay. The paper focusses on the European Parliament as a highly politicized arena where political groups are the main agents and where most conflicts are fought along the lines of the parliamentary groups. Particular importance is drawn to intra-group cohesion and inter-group coalition which are key tactical considerations in a politically competitive environment like the EP. As a case study, the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality will be analysed in detail.