Studiens syfte har varit att undersöka hur Folkrörelsen Nej till EU Halmstad och Hallandspostens ledare debatterade demokratin i samband med folkomröstningen om det svenska EU-medlemskapet 1994. En kvalitativ diskursanalys har gjorts utifrån kampanjmaterial och tidningsledare inför folkomröstningen 1994 där två specifika diskurser kartlades. Resultatet visade att Nej till EU Halmstad och Hallandspostens ledare hade olika uppfattningar om demokratin i samband med EU eftersom att de valde att fokusera på olika aspekter av medlemskapet. Därmed fördes en diskursiv kamp mellan de båda opinionsbildarna om vad medlemskapet skulle innebära för Sveriges vidkommande. Skillnaden i att fokusera på den demokratiska proceduren eller det politiska resultatet av EU, bidrog till att aktörerna hade olika utgångspunkter för hur de bedrev opinion inför folkomröstningen. Sveriges suveränitet och överstatligheten inom EU fick därmed olika innebörder i de båda diskurserna.

Europe stands at the face of transformative changes, where the study of EU integration becomes crucial in comprehending the complex dynamics between member states and EU institutions, as well envisioning its future. Since its origin, the parliament has played a fundamental role in advancing political integration across national borders by representing EU citizens.  However, recent years have witnessed shifts that seem to alter the European Parliaments role and its leaning towards integration, indicating a move towards increased intergovernmentalism within the EU.  By examining its historical progress and stances towards integration, we can gain deeper insights into how its role has shifted and how it affects the EU's future, done by comparing two different periods, 2004-2009 and current election period 2019-2024. By using competing theories of European integration, this paper purposes to map out implications for the European union future. This study seeks to seal a significant research gap by investigating the European Parliament's role in integration. By analyzing parliamentary materials with debates longitudinally, this research aims to identify shifts in attitudes towards European integration. Results were shown that indicated the European parliament’s attitude towards integration had its changes in recent decades. From previously being a strong advocate for deeper integration, the European parliament has now a more nuances view of supranationality and intergovernmental collaboration. Future directions for European integration suggest a more cautious and gradual approach, continuing to cooperate without transferring excessive power to central EU bodies. This could have reaching implications for the future of the union and for the role of the European parliament in the continued integration process.  This study on the role of the European Parliament and its integration is of great importance to political science, since of its ability to surround various aspects of the EU’s political landscape. Understanding these dynamics is essential for predicting future developments and shaping policies that foster a solid and strong European union.