Is the European Union in need of a competence catalogue? Insights from comparative federalism

Article abstract:

This article assesses the value of a detailed and rigid catalogue of competencies for curbing the process of European centralisation and increasing the overall legitimacy of the EU. The article first details the reasons, and the actors who put the search for a catalogue of competencies onto the European agenda. Drawing from comparative federalism, it then lists five arguments why a detailed and rigid competence catalogue is neither feasible nor desirable. Finally, alternatives are provided leading to competence delimitation by other means. The main arguments are illustrated with reference to the European Convention's draft Constitutional Treaty.