Working inside the parliament machine

Abstract

This chapter first looks at the many different ways in which newly elected MEPs have sought to adapt to the very specific context of the “European Parliament machine”, the practical choices they have to make, the political constraints they have to recognize in pursuing their priorities and the best way to make their way through the institutions as they “learn by doing”. The second part of the chapter presents the experiences of those who have risen to particular positions of power and influence within the machine, notably President, Vice-President, Quaestor and Committee Chair.