European Integration and Ethnoregionalist Parties

Abstract

This article examines the impact of Europeanization on ethnoregionalist parties in Europe. In contrast to other European party families, traditionally this family has been characterized by the lack of ideological affinity and major differences in two dimensions - demands for political autonomy and traditional ideological orientations - that in the past jeopardized collective action and political cooperation. We argue that the process of Europeanization allowed the very constitution of a European party family from scratch. The article singles out the effects of Europeanization: the creation of a new structure of political opportunities for nationalist parties, changes in party behaviour at the European level, the definition of a new European internationalism and a common political European agenda based on the principle of the lowest common denominator.