Abstract
Since joining the EU on January 1, 1995, Austria has been represented in the European Parliament by directly elected members . After 30 years of EU membership, this article analyses the social profiles of all Austrian MEPs to date . Age, education, gender parity, renewal rate and previous political experience take center-stage . The rather short length of time spent in the European Parliament and the frequent political inexperience of MEPs are identified as particularly ‘significant’ . However, the eighth EP electoral term (2014-2019) was characterized by extraordinary personnel changes for Austria . The ninth period (2019- 2024) saw a rejuvenation of Austria’s MEPs and an increase in the proportion of women . For the first time, there was gender parity . With the start of the tenth period (2024-2029), Austria has taken a step backwards in this respect: its MEPs have become more male and older again . The persistent theory that those who enter the European Parliament no longer play a role in domestic politics can no longer be upheld, at least since the eighth and ninth legislative periods .
Published Version
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