European University Institute Library

Post-national democracy and the reform of the European Parliament, La démocratie post-nationale et la réforme du Parlement européen, Andrew Duff

eng

The next European elections will take place in 2014. Why then focus today on the participation of European citizens on this vote? The answer is simple: if we want to reverse the decline in participation over the last thirty years which paradoxically has taken place at the same time the European Parliament has been steadily gaining power within European institutions, we must act now. But, above all, the question of the relationship between citizens and European institutions is an issue that deserves better than to be taken up, at best, every five years. The organisation of the European debate at the level of both the Union and of Member states as well as the clarification and the politicisation of European issues are essential to giving life to European democracy on a daily basis. Much can and should be done to improve the functioning of European political parties, which remain, despite their limitations, the key engines of democratic debate and citizen choice. Notre Europe has published in conjunction with this pamphlet by Andrew Duff, a text by Julian Priestley which discusses key reforms that the parties should undertake in order to prepare to assume full responsibility. But, changes in the European Parliament itself and in its method of election could also contribute to the improvement of democratic practice in the EU. Andrew Duff's proposals contained in this publication are therefore timely. These two publications by Notre Europe do not, of course, cover all of the subject. Most of their recommendations will likely improve after discussion or development. But they fuel a debate that must take place at the risk of remaining sluggish in the coming years ... until the next election or referendum again - albeit too late - sounds an alarm about the soundness of the European project

no index present

non fiction

Post-national democracy and the reform of the European Parliament

847375707

Andrew Duff

Policy papers, 42

La démocratie post-nationale et la réforme du Parlement européen

1. The search for popular legitimacy -- 2. Brought together in an assembly -- 3. Lisbon and after -- 4. Nationality, citizenship and the franchise -- 5. Building the Convention's agenda -- 6. The need for political parties -- Annex: Current electoral practice1. A la recherche d'une légitimité populaire -- 2. Réunis dans une Assemblée -- 3. Le traité de Lisbonne et la suite -- 4. Nationalité et citoyenneté -- 5. Établir l'agenda de la Convention -- 6. Le besoin des partis politiques -- Annexe : Pratique courante des élections