From Advisor to Interparliamentary Networker: A Typology of Parliamentary Officials in EU Affairs

Abstract

Parliamentary staff in European affairs is a relatively young field of study. However, a solid understanding of the role these staff members play is important for grasping the political capacity of parliaments. Whether parliaments can exercise their powers effectively depends on their ability to collect and process information, and officials can play a key role in this context. This also holds true within the European arena. Both the European Parliament and national parliaments play a role of increased significance within the system of European governance. The tasks that officials take on within these legislatures then differ as parliaments within the European arena fulfil different functions than parliaments within the domestic arena. The aim of this review article is thus to provide an insight into the specific institutional context of legislatures within the European arena and to further develop a typology of the core functions of staff in EU affairs.