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In this project, we investigate the growing exercise of authority by international institutions, both empirically and normatively. Presently, scepticism seems to grow towards the exercise of authority by international institutions. Several European states criticize the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) for invading too far into formerly well accepted domains of national sovereignty. New conflicts are bound to arise once the EU has formally decided to accede to the European Convention on Human Rights. At the international level, states are disputing the work of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.

When and how has European integration become a prominent issue in politics all around Europe? What can explain the rise to prominence of this issue on the radar of political parties, citizens, journalists, interest groups across the continent? Finally, where does it lead? Does increased public contestation over the shape and existence of the European Union affect the future course of integration and its democratic legitimacy? These questions about the nature, dynamics, causes and consequences of politicization stand at the heart of the ongoing project ‘Politicization of European integration’.

As part of the Integrated Project ‘Reconstituting Democracy in Europe (RECON)’, Online Euroscepticism aims to investigate how and to what extent prominent internet platforms across Europe function to facilitate debate about European integration. Procedurally, we investigate to what extent news websites and frequently visited blogs feature debate about Europe and how these websites function to facilitate or inhibit participation of political elites and citizens, publicity of main European topics and public opinion formation concerning key questions about European integration.

The motivation of PADEMIA is to establish a Europe-wide and sustainable network of 56 academic institutions from 31 countries to promote research and teaching in reaction to growing European demands to study parliamentary democracy in Europe.