Understanding of the European parliament is generally limited and often ill-judged. Academic research and media attention are spasmodic. Turnout in European Parliamentary elections is low. National exceptions of what the European Parliament is, and should be vary. MEPs themselves appear to be frustrated: despite the incremental growth of the formal competences of the parliament over the years, their status seems lower than that of national MPs, and the reputation of the parliament as an institution uncertain. "Choice and Representation in the European Union" examines the issues around the European Parliament, analyses the strategies of the political parties and explores new ways of making parliamentary representation more effective. The series d essential reading for all practitioners and styudents of European integration, as well as for national policy-makers, business and the media.