Women in the European parliament

Why have women seemingly found it easier to be elected to the European Parliament than to their national parliaments? And how does the relatively large presence of women amongst MEPs affect the functioning and policy-making of the European Parliament? Although the relative gender equality in the European Parliament may partly explain the fact that it is perceived as having little power, it might also be argued that the 30% of women MEPs there form a 'critical mass' capable of influencing the policy agenda and of promoting women's issues. Based on a series of interviews and responses to a questionnaire, the article examines these questions through the experiences and opinions of women MEPs.