A ‘Second Order’ Agenda in the European Parliament

<b>Abstract: </b>Eurosceptic Members of the European Parliament are faced with a dilemma in the European Parliament. On the one hand, they might be supportive of the legislative text proposed by the European Commission. On the other hand, they might oppose EU regulation in general. Existing research suggests that some citizens treat European Parliamentary elections as ‘second order’ elections. This article suggests that some Members of European Parliament (MEPs) in a similar fashion are motivated by an alternative ‘second order’ agenda motivated by Euroscepticism. The article provides a unique theoretical perspective on legislative behaviour in the European Parliament. It combines data on MEP voting behaviour during roll call votes in the 7th European Parliament with expert evaluations of the ideological positions towards and opposition to EU integration among national parties. The results show that opposition to EU integration has a significant influence on legislative behaviour, even within the most pro-EU political groups.