Democracy and Legitimacy in an Economic Union

The sovereign debt crisis in some EU Member States has shown that greater economic convergence, the long-term sustainability of public finances and a European approach to banking regulation and resolution is necessary in order for the eurozone to become a sustainable currency area. However, when EU governance mechanisms are implemented or strengthened there is a need to reinforce the democratic legitimacy of institutions and procedures.

This policy brief focuses therefore on the impact that the new steps being taken towards economic integration will have on the democratic legitimacy and accountability of the European institutions. It puts up for debate both short and long term proposals for tackling what we believe will be an increased democratic deficit.