Democratizing the European Union: issues for the twenty-first century

Abstract:

This text on democratization processes and democratic theory examines issues critical to the establishment, extension and deepening of democracy in the European Union. It is part of a series, Perspectives on democratization, which analyses successful democratization processes and reasons why experiments in democratic government fail. This book brings together a diverse range of authors who have been actively involved either in analysing the activities of the EU or participating in them. It embraces a range of different perspectives and includes discussions of major contemporary challenges, such as enlargement and economic and monetary union. It also contains a detailed analysis of the response of New Labour to the democratization debate. The papers originated in a conference entitled 'Democratizing the European Union: beyond institutional change?' which was held in London in May 1997.

From the various perspectives on democratizing the EU presented in this volume, the editors identify four material issues. First, the extent to which political understandings and practices are developing across the EU which coexist with the already well established elite exchange and socialisation. Second, the combined issues of transparency and accountability. Third, the way in which 'constitutive' or 'agenda-setting' decisions are taken at EU level and finally, the issues of values and how the EU asserts authority.

Chapter headings are: Social solidarity in the Delors period: barriers to participation; Reconciling suprastatism and accountability: a view from Sweden; A Europe of the peoples? New Labour and democratizing the EU; How democratic is the European Parliament?; Controlling Monetary Union; Eastern enlargement and democracy; Democratization: a constitutionalizing process; and finally, Democratizing the EU: evidence and argument.

The book will be useful to students of European studies and practitioners involved in EU policy-making and lobbying, but should also be of broader appeal to those with an interest in EU and the democratic process.