The representative quality of EU treaty reform: a comparison between the IGC and the Convention

Abstract:

This article assesses whether the Convention on the Future of Europe is more representative than the traditional way of Treaty reform by IGCs. The concept of representation is analysed and five dimensions are specified. By applying these dimensions both to IGCs and the Convention the article concludes that the setting-up of the Convention has led to a more balanced representation based not only on a broader presence of representatives but also on proper authorisation, room for manoeuvre and voting rights as well as an improved degree of responsiveness. The Convention was thus more appropriately reflecting the compounded pluricentric system of European governance. In all these aspects, the Convention is by no means perfect but still a considerable improvement to an IGC.