Living up to expectations? EU politicization and party Europeanization in Flanders and the Netherlands

At the turn of century, both academics and practitioners anticipated Europeanization national politics political parties. One major expectation was that parties would adapt their organisation behaviour to existence EU functioning its institutions. However, early 2000s poured cold water on those expectations: slacking politicization affairs, it concluded, created few incentives for adapt, so there no meaningful speak of. became necessary pre-condition party Europeanization. Today, however, seems (partly) fulfilled, as scholars are observing increasing politicization. Hence, we ask whether live up expectations and, facing a politicised context, today showing signs organizational (POE). Based comparative case study Dutch Flemish parties, who function in differently politicized environments, find remains limited. We conclude is likely not holding back, but instead point towards broader institutional misfit between European politics. call future research further elaborate this misfit, which might be Achilles heel democracy.