Bridging the Gap? Citizens’ and Regional MPs’ Representational Preferences in EU Affairs

Congruence on representational styles is essential for political satisfaction in contemporary democracies. Research has so far focused on comparing congruence in specific policy fields, mainly at the national and European level. The subnational level has been researched less frequently in this respect. This article compares preferences for representational styles among citizens and MPs at the regional (subnational) level based on a specific policy, namely the involvement of regions in EU affairs. The analysis is based on a survey of regional MPs (n = 1817) and a survey of citizens (n = 8700) in six member states (Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, France, Spain) and 12 regions within these states. The results confirm the findings of previous research by showing that citizens prefer the delegate model of representation more than regional MPs do. Regional representatives instead prefer a trustee or partisan model of representation in this matter, since they are aware that the delegate style is less viable for complex issues like European integration. The findings highlight a structural tension between citizens’ expectations of direct accountability and MPs’ awareness of the importance of expertise in complex issues like EU affairs as well as their dependence on party support when fulfilling their mandates.