The Quality of Deliberation in Two Committees of the European Parliament: The Neglected Influence of the Situational Context and the Policymaking Stage

Léa Roger,Gary S Schaal

doi:10.17645/pag.v1i2.101

Abstract

In our paper we try to answer two empirical research questions. First, we assess the deliberative quality of discussions in two committees of the EU Parliament. In order to do so, we use a slightly revised version of the DQI. Second, we identify and empirically measure those variables that systematically influence the quality of deliberation in interviews with debate actors. We argue that the quality of deliberation in EU committees is influenced by two normative values: deliberation (common good orientation) and responsiveness (particular interest orientation), with the guiding value determined by the particular situation. Using a multidimensional concept of deliberation, we empirically test the impact of situational variables on specific aspects of deliberative quality. In addition, we take into account the temporal dimension of deliberation.

Highlights

The theory of deliberative democracy is the most important strand of democratic thought today [1]
We argue that the quality of deliberation in EU committees is influenced by two normative values: deliberation and responsiveness, with the guiding value determined by the particular situation
The committee debates are available for streaming and downloading on the website of the European Parliament [87]

Summary

Introduction

The theory of deliberative democracy is the most important strand of democratic thought today [1]. MEPs were aware of the salience and publicity of the issue, and paid high attention to the interest of their voters and their party/ political group They cannot be expected to focus on a common European interest in the debate or to show explicit respect for the demands and interests of other groups. The situation of decision-making for the victims directive favored deliberation: the topic was not considered as salient, the public attention paid to it was low, and there were no major national or particular interests at stake. Under these circumstances, MEPs are free to deliberate and may follow their own judgment and focus on a common European interest. The quality of deliberation on the above-named dimensions can be expected to be higher in the victims directive debate than on the twopack debate

Temporal Variables

Discourse Analysis

Participants

Conclusion