The Council, the European Parliament, and the …（理事会,欧洲议会,u2026）.pdf

EIoP © 2015 by Monika Mühlböck and Berthold Rittberger European Integration online Papers ISSN 1027-5193 Vol. 19 (2015), Article 4 How to cite? Mühlböck, Monika and Berthold Rittberger (2015): ‘The Council, the European Parliament, and the paradox of inter-institutional cooperation’, in: Christine Neuhold and Sophie Vanhoonacker (eds): ‘Dynamics of institutional cooperation in the European Union: Dimensions and effects’ European Integration online Papers (EIoP), Special issue 1, Vol. 19, Article 4, http://eiop.or.at/eiop/texte/2015-004a.htm, pp. 1-20. DOI: 10.1695/2015004 The Council, the European Parliament, and the paradox of inter-institutional cooperation Monika Mühlböck University of Vienna, Faculty of Business, Economics and Statistics, Department of Economic Sociology Berthold Rittberger Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich (LMU), Geschwister Scholl Institute of Political Science Abstract: Decision-making between the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament is characterized by a paradox. On the one hand, there is a high potential for inter-institutional conflict. Historically, the EP and the Council have been opponents in the struggle for power. In addition, both institutions can be said to fulfill different representational roles within the political system of the EU, with the Council representing the member states and the Parliament representing the citizens. Furthermore, agreement between the two is complicated by decision rules posing high thresholds for agreement and actors with often diverging preferences. On the other hand, in day