Europe’s future is contested between those who want to integrate further, those who prefer things to stay as they are, and those who would retreat into nationalism. These divisions impair the government of the European Union and weaken its ability to shoulder more responsibility for its unstable neighbourhood.
This open access book analyses the EU’s evolving constitution, arguing that the lack of effective federal government lies at the heart of its problems. It recommends reforms for each EU institution, including those involving treaty change. It makes the case for a unified executive, a more legitimate legislature, and the introduction of a federal treasury and supreme court. It proposes a fresh category of affiliate membership underpinned by a new European security council that would overcome the historic division between the EU and NATO.
The book is essential reading for practitioners and students of European integration.
Author(s): Andrew Duff
Publisher: Palgrave Pivot
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 133
City: Cham
Contents
About the Author
Chapter 1: What Unity Is For
The Convention and After
Bibliography
Chapter 2: The Twin Executive
The Two Leader Problem
Electing the Commission President
A Streamlined Executive
Reforming the Council
Chapter 3: Vote Versus Veto
Reaching Consensus
Comitology
The Passerelles
Organic Laws
Enhanced Cooperation
International Treaties
Unloosing the Treaty Straitjacket
Bibliography
Chapter 4: Parliamentary Europe
The Problem of Party
Electoral Reform
Breakthrough
Representing the Citizen
Representing the States
Right of Initiative
Checks and Balances
Cuisine Interne
National Parliaments
Scrutiny Procedures
Chapter 5: The Judiciary
Interpreting the Law
Primacy and Direct Effect
Charter of Fundamental Rights
Scope
Rule of Law
Chapter 6: Fiscal Union
One Money, One Polity
The Financial Crash
The COVID-19 Crash
Eurobonds and Budget Reform
Building the Eurozone
Bibliography
Chapter 7: The Neighbours
The End of Enlargement?
The Eastern Neighbours
The Western Neighbours
Affiliate Membership
Affiliating with the EU Institutions
Chapter 8: Security
Provocation
A European Security Council
Concept and Compass
Peace Process
Chapter 9: A Constitutional Moment
The Conference on the Future of Europe
A Reflection Group
A Convention
More Europe
Federal Union
Constitutional Patriotism
Bibliography
Annex I: Parliamentary Seat Apportionmenta
Annex II: Council Voting Weightsa
Annex III
Article 49a (New) Treaty on European Union
Affiliate Membership
Bibliography
Index
