The European democratic deficit: In light of Eurosceptic parties expressing their concern about E...

1. KEY QUESTIONS

1.1. To what extent would a multi-speed union address the problems highlighted by the Brexit referendum and wider calls for EU reform?

1.2. Which measures should be taken in order to prevent further Euroscepticism in the European countries?

1.3. To what extent would a multi-speed union address the problems highlighted by the Brexit referendum and wider calls for EU reform?

2. With the ever-declining voter turnout in European elections, how should the European Union react to low levels of trust in EU institutions and to wide calls for reform and multi-speed integration?

3. EXISTING MEASURES AND CURRENT LEGISLATION

3.1. Treaty on the functioning of the EU15.

3.2. The Lisbon Treaty

3.3. European Citizen´s Initiative

4. Increasing Euroscepticism is causing some of the key stakeholders, particularly Member States, to apply the brakes to the extension of the EU’s policy making competence.

5. KEY TERMS

6. Euroscepticism – First used to describe Margaret Tatcher’s position in 19861, it has been used to define a negative attitude towards both the idea of the European project and the Union in its current form.

6.1.  Eurorejects, those who oppose the idea of integration and the existence of the EU;

6.2.  Eurosceptics, those who support the idea of integration, but not its current form;

6.3.  Europragmatists, those who do not believe in the idea of integration, but consider that the EU has various benefits;

6.4.  Euroenthusiasts, those who generally support the idea of a ‘ever-closer’3 union and the current realization of the EU.

7. Democratic deficit – The concept of ‘democratic deficit’ describes the extent to which the European Union (EU) fails in democratic terms.

8. Multi-speed integration – A term used to depict a method of separated integration which implies that common objectives are pursued by a number of Member States all able and willing to advance.

9. STAKEHOLDERS