How to Democratize the European Union-- and why Bother?A contradictory creation indeed, the European Union has most of the institutions of a modern democracy, yet it does not function as one. Moreover, its growing scope of activity and supranational decision making processes are undermining the legitimacy of democracy in its member states. Much has been written about this double "democratic deficit," but surprisingly little thought has been given to what to do about it--short of drafting and ratifying a new federal constitution. In this provocative book, Philippe C. Schmitter explores both the possibility and the desirability of democratizing the EU. He argues that as a "non-state" and a "non nation" it will have to invent new forms of citizenship, representation, and decisionmaking if it is ever to democratize itself. The author also contends that the timing and political context work against a full-scale constitutionalization of the process. He proposes a number of modest (and some less modest) reforms that could improve the situation in the near future and eventually lead to a genuine Euro-democracy. |
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How to Democratize the European Union-- and why Bother? Philippe C. Schmitter No preview available - 2000 |
Common terms and phrases
accountability acquis acquis communautaire already become binding Brussels citizenry citizens cleavage coalitions Colegio commission competition concurrent majority constitutional Council of Ministers decision rule decision-making democracy democratic distribution drafting eastern economic effect effort elections emerging Euro-polity enlargement EU's Euro Euro-citizens Euro-citizenship Euro-democracy Euro-elections Euro-polity Europe European Council European integration European Parliament European Union eventual existing federal formal Fritz Scharpf functional future governments groups increasingly individual institutions integration process interest associations involved issues larger countries less Luxembourg ment MEPs Modest Proposal Moreover national level nomination organizations participation party system percent political politicians population potential preferences present presumably principle procedures produce proportionality prospect qualified majority qualified majority voting reforms regime regional relatively representation representatives rights and obligations role ropean rulers Schmitter seats simple majority Single European Act social Spain specific status subnational supranational supranational level territorial three colegii tion tional Treaty United veto weighted votes