Analysis of European Partnership or National Interests on Voting Shapes on Trade Policy in the European Parliament

Abstract

· Research topic: Factors Influencing Voting in the European Parliament on Trade Policy: A Study Differentiating by MEPs' Party Affiliation, National Party, and Constituents' Situation· Background to research: The institutional development of the European Union has seen a gradual expansion of the powers of the European Parliament. Since the Lisbon Treaty came into force in December 2009, the European Parliament has gained co-decision-making authority alongside the Council of the European Union across a wide range of areas.· Differences from previous studies: Particularly in the field of trade policy, significant empowerment has occurred, including consent rights over trade negotiations. This implies an increasing influence of the European Parliament on EU trade policy in the future. · Methodology: This study conducted empirical analysis using the proximity index and probit models to examine the factors influencing votes in the European Parliament on five trade-related resolutions, including the EU's free trade agreements with South Korea and Colombia-Peru, as well as safeguard legislation related to trade agreements. · Research results: It was found that Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) generally vote according to the positions of their affiliated political parties within the European Parliament, rather than those of their national parties or constituents. This finding aligns with characteristics identified in previous research. However, in the case of the EU-South Korea Free Trade Agreement, MEPs affiliated with socialist parties from France and Italy voted based on national interests rather than party lines.