We investigate the influence of the European Parliament (EP) in European Union (EU) decisionmaking. Two principal concepts are developed to explain EP influence in agricultural policy: those of agenda territories and agenda interlocking. The authors look at the EP's influence in policy shaping and policy setting, and argue that this institution's influence is dependent upon the degree to which its views interlock with the pragmatic options and strategic preferences of the European Commission. In a detailed empirical analysis of EU agri-environment policy, drawing upon seventy interviews with senior officers of the European Commission, members of the European Parliament, and agricultural officials in member states, we demonstrate how the mobilisation of these agenda territories enabled the EP to exert influence in the development of EU agri-environment policy.
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