European Information and Research Network on Parliamentary History - Main contents

The European Information and Research Network on Parliamentary History connects European research institutions and experts in parliamentary history. The network facilitates the exchange and dissemination of knowledge and promotes comparative studies on the development of parliamentary culture in Europe.

The network also seeks to help institutions becoming more visible beyond their national boundaries and facilitates cooperation between the participating institutions.

In October 2007 the leading representatives of a number of European research institutes agreed upon establishing a European information and research network on parliamentary history. The following institutions were represented at the first meeting, establishing the network, held at the 'Griechische Kulturstiftung' in Berlin:

• - 

  Centrum voor Parlementaire Geschiedenis (Centre for Parliamentary History), Nijmegen, the Netherlands
• - 

  Kommission für Geschichte des Parlamentarismus und der politischen Parteien (Commission for the History of Parliamentarianism and Political Parties), Berlin
• - 

  The Hellenic Parliament Foundation for Parliamentarianism and Democracy, Athens
• - 

  Institut Za Novejso Zgodovino (Institute for Contemporary History), Ljubljana

Since establishment in 2007 the network has been extended. Nowadays, it consists of 15 renowned research institutes, spread over 12 European countries.

The main idea of the network is to enhance international cooperation in the area of parliamentary history and development by creating a cluster, which is to include all European research institutions and experts in parliamentary history. The main goals of the network are to:

• - 

  facilitate the exchange and dissemination of knowledge and promote comparative studies on the development of parliamentary culture in Europe. Cooperation between the participating institutions and joint research projects can thus be organized much more easily.
• - 

  help to make participating institutions more visible beyond their national boundaries.
• - 

  provide the general public with easier access to the results of existing and new research.

The network is attached to the knowledge exchange network of the Montesquieu Institute in The Hague: Centre for European Parliamentary History and Constitutional Development.

All members of the network are connected by joining this central internet portal "EuParl.Net", which functions as a virtual communication network for scientific projects and experts on parliamentarianism in Europe.

Twice a year the Montesquieu Institute issues a EUparl.net Newsletter. The newsletter contains information about planned or ongoing research projects, conferences, or other EU-related activities organised by the partners of the network.

If you are interested in joining this initiative please fill out the online application form on www.euparl.net or contact the Montesquieu Institute for further information (see contact details below). All applications for membership will be submitted to and considered by the Board of Directors.

Contact: euparl@montesquieu-instituut.nl