Legitimacy : a growing necessity for the future of Europe

Abstract

The European Union's political legitimacy is often discussed with respect to its democratic deficit with particular emphasis placed on the gap that exists between the democratic nature of national authorities and that of the European Institutions. In an attempt to improve the effectiveness and transparency of the Union and develop strategies to improve its communication and engagement with the citizens, the European Commission has issued a White Paper on European Governance in 2001. Its aim is to achieve a more efficient, democratic form of partnership between different levels of governance in Europe whilst increasing the legitimacy of the Union’s Institutions. A number of proposals have been made that draw on the principles of openness, participation, accountability, effectiveness and coherence, essential to any democratic system. A process of involvement whereby citizens become active subjects rather than the passive objects of the integration process has thus started.