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2005
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The European Union: Balancing Democratic Deficit?
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The European Union: Balancing Democratic Deficit?
2005/03/10
Introduction
“Democratic deficit” has become almost a cliché in theoretical and political discourse about the European Union. But how just is it? The year 2004 has seen a number of historic developments. On 1 May, the largest enlargement in the history of the EU brought in ten new members, most of whom just recently overcame authoritarian regimes - by active democratic process. The adoption of the European Constitution, which for the first time spells out the rights of citizens promises (if endorsed nationally) to become a solid democratic foundation for the new Union. And the first "victory" of the European Parliament in a standoff with the European Commission seems to be a sign of maturity of the only democratically-elected body of the Union. There seems to be hope in sight for the “Europe of Peoples” – or does this all sound just too good to be true? EUMAP is pleased to publish the following new articles devoted to analysis of the EU’s – perceived or real – democratic deficit. The feature opens with an article from an MEP, which pioneers analysis of a new and ground-breaking (although so far largely overlooked) provision in the EU Constitution: a right to a direct citizens’ initiative. While still sketchy and scant, the provision is deemed likely to make a tremendous impact in future on bringing the EU closer to the people and giving people a say in the Union’s affairs. The authors argue that the initiative needs to be seized! An article by a Slovenian constitutional lawyer analyses whether and how the new EU Constitution could eliminate the EU’s alleged democratic deficit. His conclusion: the Constitution is only a structure, even though a better one. However the Janus-nature of the EU’s democratic deficit requires addressing the human component to it, which is a much bigger challenge. An article by a young American scholar taps into the EU’s circular institutional and decision-making structures as a primary source for claims of the Union’s democratic deficit. She outlines the parameters of the problem and sketches basic recommendations to overcome it. Last but not least, an expert provides insights into the plans to establish the EU’s Human Rights Agency. The Citizens' Right of Initiative in the European Constitution: A Second Chance for Democracy? Can the New European Constitution Remedy the EU "Democratic Deficit"? The European Union’s “Democratic Deficit”: Bridging the Gap between Citizens and EU Institutions Establishment of a European Agency on Fundamental Rights: Opportunities and Challenges Image © Clipart. |
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