Following the Lisbon Treaty, the powers of the European Parliament in its external relations have been gradually expanded, and it is increasingly influencing foreign policy. This book analyses the role of the European Parliament as an international actor.

Though current literature on the European Parliament has neglected its important role as an international actor, this book opens a new debate about its role of the outside the EU territory. Contributors to this volume explore different policy areas including human rights, international aid, trade, crisis management and the environment to provide a systematic analysis of the modern role of the European Parliament. The book also considers the regional interactions and approach to Africa, Latin America, the United States, Asia and the Middle East. With a common analytical framework and research from the inception of the elected European Parliament in 1979 to the present day, this truly comprehensive volume present an unparalleled analysis of one of the most important institutions in the European Union.

This book will be of interest to students and scholars of European Union Politics and Institutions, European Policy, Government, International Relations and European History.