A critical analysis of the main EU institutional reforms in the context of a new constitution for Europe

Abstract

The juncture that the process of European integration is currently undergoing is that of constitutionalisation. This has been a particularly controversial phase and 'the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe' is the culmination of several years of debate. The original EU founding Treaties have been subject to various reforms that have through the years developed the institutions of the European Union. The Commission, the Council, and the European Parliament have been central to these amendments. The powers of these institutions have on various occasions been either extended or limited in accordance with the democratic requirements of the European Union. Today, an important step forward is being made, whereby a set of rules is being created, old rules are made to evolve, and fundamental principles of the EU are being made more transparent, the objective being the identification of a Constitution of the European Union. This Constitution, officially, 'A Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe', sets out such guidelines as are to be abided by not only by the Member States and the citizens of the European Union, but also by the institutions of the EU. Such rules include a detailed reform to the Union's institutional framework. Once in operation the Constitution will ensure respect for democracy, legitimacy and transparency, as well as the achievement of a set of common values and objectives that the European Union has sought to achieve since its inception. This thesis examines these questions delving into the institutional changes that will be applicable in pursuance to the final adoption of the text that establishes the Constitution for the Union. An analysis is made of the background leading to such reforms and also the surrounding debate that has characterised them. An assessment is also attempted of the manner whereby the Union and its institutions will operate following the adoption of these amendments and whether these will serve in the long term to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and the democratic existence of the Union.