2012年-CEPS欧洲政策研究中心_Democracy_in_the_European_Union_20页_149kb

Summary of "Democracy in the European Union" by Stefano Micossi

Core Content

This working document by Stefano Micossi examines the democratic legitimacy of the European Union (EU) and challenges the common perception that the EU lacks democratic foundations. Micossi argues that the EU, despite its complex structure, has developed mechanisms that align with democratic standards, both in terms of input and output legitimacy.

Main Views

1. The EU as an Innovative Polity

• The EU is not a traditional state but an innovative polity where power is shared among various actors.
• It has established multiple participation and influence mechanisms that allow for democratic involvement.
• The EU's democratic legitimacy is comparable to that of member states, though it is not uniform.

2. Historical Context of Democratic Legitimacy

• The EU's democratic legitimacy was questioned following the 2005 rejection of the Constitutional Treaty in France and the Netherlands.
• This rejection was attributed to public disengagement, but Micossi suggests that other factors, such as the effects of globalization and technological change, also contributed to this sentiment.
• The Maastricht Treaty marked a turning point by extending the EU's scope to monetary affairs and new political pillars (foreign policy and internal security).

3. Institutional Developments and Democratic Controls

• The Lisbon Treaty introduced significant institutional reforms, including the attribution principle, which clarifies the division of competences between the EU and member states.
• It also reinforced the role of national parliaments and the European Parliament in the democratic process.
• The Lisbon Treaty removed the 'signs and symbols' of a constitution, thereby eliminating the indeterminate finality of the EU's future.

4. Democratic Legitimisation Mechanisms

• The EU has developed a dual system of democratic representation: member states through the Council, and citizens through the European Parliament.
• The European Parliament has gained more power, especially with the introduction of co-decision procedures.
• National parliaments play a key role in controlling the actions of their governments within the EU, particularly in areas requiring unanimity.

5. Challenges to Democratic Legitimacy

• The lack of a unified European demos and a shared identity has been a point of criticism.
• The complexity of EU decision-making and the limited impact of European elections on actual EU policy have led to perceptions of low public engagement.
• However, these issues do not necessarily indicate a democratic deficit but rather reflect the nature of the EU's institutional structure and the evolving role of citizens.

6. The Role of the European Parliament

• The European Parliament is the main institution representing citizens' will at the EU level.
• It has become more influential over time, especially in areas such as the internal market and social policies.
• Despite declining voter turnout in European elections, the Parliament still enjoys considerable prestige.

7. The Concept of Subsidiarity and Proportionality

• The Lisbon Treaty introduced protocols to ensure that the EU does not overstep its competences.
• National parliaments are tasked with monitoring the application of the subsidiarity principle.
• The EU's decision-making process is designed to balance the interests of member states and citizens.

8. The Nature of EU Policies

• Many EU policies are of a technical and functional nature, which may explain the limited public interest in them.
• Moravcsik argues that further democratic channels are not necessary, as the EU reflects the negotiated equilibrium of member states.
• However, a majority of political scientists and constitutionalists believe that the EU has accumulated enough powers to require autonomous safeguards.

Key Information

• Public Opinion: Over 50% of respondents in Eurobarometer surveys view participation in the EU as positive, with this percentage increasing in recent years.
• Institutional Reforms: The Lisbon Treaty has clarified the division of competences, strengthened the European Parliament, and introduced new mechanisms for democratic control.
• Democratic Deficit: While the EU is often accused of lacking democratic legitimacy, Micossi argues that this is not the main cause of institutional crises, which are more attributable to the weakness of national governments.
• Future of Democracy: The EU has developed new legitimisation solutions that may represent the future of democracy in an interconnected world.

Conclusion

Micossi concludes that the EU has not suffered from a democratic deficit but has instead evolved democratic mechanisms to accommodate its expanded scope. The challenge lies in ensuring that these mechanisms are effective and that citizens feel more connected to the EU's decision-making process. The Lisbon Treaty has made significant strides in this direction, but further progress will depend on the willingness of member states to engage in transparent and accountable democratic practices.