Dr. Gilles Pittoors
Question & answer
What is your research about?
Broadly speaking, my research is about democracy in the EU. More specifically, I study the role of political parties in the European multi-level political system. How do they connect different actors and institutions across borders and policy levels?
Why is your research socially relevant?
Given the growing importance and politicization of decisions made at the European level, it is particularly relevant to ask how we can further democratize the EU. Political parties have a big role to play in this, considering how, despite the crisis they find themselves in, they remain the main organizations connecting citizens to political decisions.
What is the first thing you do when you have unexpected free time in your agenda?
If the weather isn't too bad, I like to take time out for a nature walk — we spend too much time sitting behind a desk anyway. But if it’s storming outside, you'll find me on the couch with a good book.