Realignment and Entrenchment: The Europeanisation of Rifondazione Comunista

Abstract

This study explores the impact of European integration on Rifondazione Comunista, through a conceptual approach that draws upon the Europeanisation literature and evaluates two sub-processes: (1) positional realignment towards European integration and (2) the entrenchment by the party of an EU dimension of issues and activities. The empirical evidence and analysis presented draws upon the party's functions of patterns of party competition, programmatic change and affiliations beyond the national party system. Findings show that Rifondazione gradually increased the use of the issue of European integration in an attempt to differentiate its European vision, thus presenting the EU as a necessary terrain of struggle. Second, it underwent slight programmatic and attitudinal realignment towards a softer approach. The intervening variables conditioning each sub-process reflect a nuanced picture, with most identified factors playing a role. These factors also reflect the wider patterns of Italian politics observed so far, allowing us to highlight the significance of national and party specificities in party-based Europeanisation.