Can the European Parliament ever break out of the cycle of failing public interests and legitimacy?

Type :

Term papers

Pages :

5 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

05/17/2009

Category :

Political science

Sub category :

European union

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Summary :

Introduction
Analyzing what can be done to increase and strengthen the legitimacy of the European Parliament
1. The European Community's aim
2. The European Parliament's duties
3. The Brussels Treaty of the 22nd of January 1975
National parliaments: Controling over their governments' Community activities
The transfer of responsibilities
The levels of turnout in elections for the European Parliament
The on-going processes of enlargement and constitutional reform in the EU
Conclusion
Bibliography

Abstract

In one of his speeches, Pat Cox, the President of the european parliament said 'Turnout across Europe [in 1999] was higher than in the last US Presidential Elections, and I do not hear people questioning the legitimacy of the presidency of the United States.'. Since 1979, indeed, the european parliament has been the only pan-european, directly elected body. Its powers have increased with successive decisions of the european Court of Justice and amendments to the treaties that define the political life of the european Union. However, paradoxically, turnouts in european elections are worryingly low and democracy seems to be in trouble, considering the lack of public interest for the european Assembly. Democratic deficit concerning the european parliament can be defined through three main elements. The first point is the feeling of a lack of representation by this institution since the parliament seems to have less power than the Commission and the Council whereas it is the only body to be elected. Secondly, people are not aware of what happens within the european parliament, nor do they know much about its competence.