The role of European Parliament (EP) is usually regarded as very limited in the EU's external agreements. It was not until the 2009 Lisbon Treaty did the EP obtain the consent power of all important trade and international agreements. However, little is known empirically about whether and how the EP can play in influencing these agreements signed between the EU and third countries. Using new data derived from all international agreements listed in the EEAS website from 1999 to 2015 (more than 500 cases), this paper attempts to show what kinds of agreements that the EP is most likely to wield its power, and what legal bases the EP is likely to use. Of those agreements that the EP can vote on, which policy areas are most frequently observed?Contrary to our received wisdom where the EP's power is severely restrained in the EU's external agreements, this paper demonstrates that the EP's role in foreign affairs can be substantial, depending on which legal bases it uses to assert its position.
