Reporting European Council Politics at Home: A Comparative Study of How Chief Executives Communicate Towards Their National Parliaments

Abstract Decisions by the European Council have shaped the history of European integration, especially in moments of crisis for the European Union (EU). Yet, this institution has faced substantial criticism, partly because it is not politically accountable to any other EU institution. Most members have responsibilities towards their national parliaments derived from their position as Heads of Government. This article scrutinizes communication patterns, analyzing whether crises affect the way national chief executives communicate to their parliaments about their European Council‐related activities. It argues that moments of crisis lead to an increase in reporting, justification of decisions, and expressed support for EU‐level problem‐solving. Examining the communication of national chief executives in Germany, Ireland, and Italy about irregular migration in the EU between April 2015 and March 2021, the article finds support for these assumptions. Remaining variation can be linked to these countries' different institutional provisions and crisis affectedness.