Frankly, I feel alienated.

Party lists are drawn up under pressure from Party HQ – and often include candidates “parachuted in”. Once elected I have never – but never – been aware of any close interest in me or my locale by any sitting EMP. And, as Ralf and others will know, I believe the EU “machine” has become undemocratic.

In summary, whilst (as you note) the Parliament has influence over some major decisions, the really big decisions are taken, behind closed doors, by the Council of Ministers.

The Commission has become passive under Barroso; Parliament is treated as a cipher by the Council of Ministers; and we, the voters – we are not even granted that level, except at election time (of course).