Reducing the EU's democratic deficit : what role can the European parliament play and what further reforms could be considered?

Abstract

A fact pertinent to the current European Union’s stand on democracy by many individuals is that it is highly contextualised as being separate from politics at a European level and thus, inaccessible by the ordinary European citizen; hence creating what is called a democratic deficit. Although the complex structure of the EU’s institution is often the main contributing factor to such democratic deficit, there have been ways and means to reduce and ameliorate this, as evidenced by the Treaty of Lisbon. Nonetheless, these ‘ways and means’ may not always be effective when imposed by law, hence the central question to this essay. The opinions of renowned authors will be resorted to at particular instances in order to highlight the contrast which emanates from their writings, the current reality and any legislative references which have attempted to find a balance. Subsequently, an important remark highlighted by the author is made which questions whether there should be the complete elimination of democratic deficit, or if such deficit should remain present for the sake of adopting certain measures which promote the main objectives of the EU. In consideration of the central question, it is suggested that the European Parliament adopts a more flexible position which does not undermine any of its competences albeit making it more accessible.