Intro; Foreword; Acknowledgements; Praise for Shaping Parliamentary Democracy; Contents; List of Contributors; Abbreviations; Chapter 1 Introducing Our Project; Abstract; The Origins of the Project; The Structure of the Project; The Contents of the Chapters; Chapter 2 Choosing the Parliament; Abstract; Introduction; Getting Elected to the European Parliament; Differences Stemming from Different National Electoral Systems; Differing Political and Professional Backgrounds; Varying Levels of Knowledge of the EP and the EU; Some Personal Narratives; The Element of Luck

First Experiences of the European ParliamentFirst Impressions of the European "Microcosmos"; Working Together in a Culture of Compromise and Consensus; Greater Autonomy; Residual Frustrations; Conclusion; Appendix; Chapter 3 Working Inside the Parliament Machine; Abstract; Introduction; Dealing with the Practicalities; First Choices; Assistants; The General Secretariat; Languages; Understanding the Sources of Power in Parliament; Pursuing Priorities; "Learning by Doing"; Exercising Leadership Roles; President; Vice-President; Quaestors; Committee Chair; Conclusion; Appendix

Chapter 4 Living Inside the Political GroupsAbstract; Introduction; From the Enlarged Bureau to the Conference of Presidents; The "Grand Coalition"; Relations Between Groups and Committees; Inside the Political Groups; Conclusion; Appendix; Chapter 5 Playing a Part at Major Moments; Abstract; Introduction; Reforming the Rules; The Budget; The Spinelli Draft Treaty; The EP and the European Single Market; The EP and the Monetary Union; The European Parliament-National Parliament Assizes; Failure to Obtain a Single Seat; Maastricht and Codecision; The Fall of the Santer Commission

The ConventionEU Enlargement; Conclusion; Appendix; Chapter 6 Influencing and Shaping Policy; Abstract; Introduction; Influencing Policy; Influence Over Legislation Within the EP; Influence Over Agenda Setting; Influence Over the Treaties; Influence Over Policy; Budgetary Powers; Promoting New Ideas; Shaping Policy; Codecision and Conciliation; Industrial Policy; The Single Market; The Protection of Personal Data; Conclusions; Appendix; Chapter 7 Scrutinising and Holding to Account; Abstract; Introduction; Dismissal of the Executive; Controlling Appointments; Oversight of Policy; Conclusion

AppendixChapter 8 Making a Mark Beyond the EU; Abstract; Introduction; Personal Memories; Instruments and Influence; Giving Consent; Providing Budgetary Support; Using Legislative Procedures; Observing Elections; Promoting New Ideas; Supporting Human Rights; Encouraging Integration; Conclusion; Appendix; Chapter 9 Communicating the Work of the Parliament; Abstract; Introduction; Communicating with the General Public; Relations with the Media; MEPs Relations with Interest Groups; NGOs and Citizens Communicating with MEPs; Conclusions; Appendix; Suggestions for Further Research; Chapter 10 Keeping in Touch with National Societies.