Accountability and legitimacy in the European Union

Book abstract:

This work brings together a collection of essays by contributors from a wide range of specialisms - political science, law, economics and geography - with each one addressing from that specialist viewpoint the various aspects of accountability and legitimacy in the European Union.

The book is organised in five parts. The first part examines the Union's institutions and decision-making processes and raises questions about the openness of decision-making and the mechanisms employed by the Union to exercise its powers. The contribution to those issues offered by a formal constitution is explored in part two, which also addresses the balance of power between the EU and its Member States. The question of fundamental rights and social rights and their protection is discussed in part three. Part four explores the 'new governance' agenda, which is concerned with finding new ways of reconciling competing policy priorities. The challenge of enlargement and the movement of people in the European Union in the 21st century is examined in part five.

The work will interest academics, students, policy makers, journalists and anyone concerned with the development of the European Union.

Anthony Arnull is Professor of European Law and Director of the Institute of European Law at the University of Birmingham.

Daniel Wincott is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Political Science and International Studies at the University of Birmingham.