Voice(s) in the European Parliament

This study analyses deliberation and negotiation processes in the European Parliament and focuses on the decision makers. How do parliamentarians from different nations and parties reach a mutual decision? The study compares parliamentary negotiation processes in committee debates and informal arenas. In a parliament without a majority, persuasion matters, and the negotiation process usually results in a compromise. The strength of the EP is its internal unity ? this unity is achieved in deliberative negotiations. The study conceptualises decision-making processes by combining deliberative approaches and role concepts. Theoretical concepts are examined empirically in a comparative discourse analysis and in interviews with the decision makers.