EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT INTERGROUPS: WHEN THE INDUSTRY IS CALLING THE SHOTS

Intergroups are key components in the European Parliament's modus operandi, allowing members from different political groups to focus on specific political topics. Though it is only parliamentarians who can be formal members, Intergroups may comprise a variety of different actors, and interaction is characterised by interests, non-hierarchical negotiations, easy communication lines and trust. Some Intergroups are targeted by interest groups to such an extent that a fusion nearly happens, whereas others do not receive any attention at all.