The EU's Democracy Deficits and Why Critics Cite Them

Often, people claim that the European Union (EU) suffers from a democratic deficit. This claim is rooted in how criticisms and journalistic portrayals frame the EU's role and impact on the democratic processes of its member states. In this article, we will explore the reasons why the EU is often perceived as having a democratic deficit, and we'll provide examples to support these claims.

What is a Democratic Deficit?

A democratic deficit occurs when the decision-making processes and outcomes of a political entity are perceived to be out of reach of the people it governs. In traditional democracies, elected governments are responsible for running and controlling civil servants. However, in the EU, civil servants often hold significant power without direct oversight by elected representatives, leading to the perception of a democratic deficit. This is akin to theatre, where citizens think they have some say, but the true decisions are being made elsewhere.

EU Governance Structure and Its Critics

The EU's administrative and ruling structures have been specifically designed to distance citizens from the decision-making process. This setup makes it difficult for voters to influence policies directly. For instance, the UK's political system, which includes a first-past-the-post (FPTP) parliamentary system, a monarchy, and an appointed House of Lords, contrasts with the EU's complex and often opaque processes.

Many critics of the EU's democratic system are primarily focused on media outlets that perpetuate the narrative of the EU as an undemocratic foreign power. In the UK, newspapers like the Daily Mail and Daily Express often sensationalize EU policies, portraying them as harmful or unwelcome. In contrast, those who study the EU's governance in depth, like myself, understand its intricacies better.

The EU's Stricter Control Over Referendums

One of the main reasons the EU is often criticized for its democratic deficit is its control over member states' referendums. The EU has consistently discouraged or prevented member states from holding referendums that might restrict its powers. For instance, in 2004, the EU aimed to enshrine its authority by implementing an EU constitution. However, when France and the Netherlands held referendums and rejected the proposed constitution, the EU bypassed the legal requirement to hold these referendums.

The EU implemented the desired changes through the Treaty of Lisbon, which was passed despite the opposition of the French and Dutch electorates. Ignoring the will of the majority can lead to extremism, as witnessed in France, where anti-EU political leaders like Marine Le Pen have gained prominence. Similarly, in the Netherlands, Geert Wilders has seen his standing rise due to similar dissatisfaction.

The EU's Reaction to the UK's Brexit Vote

Another example of the EU's undemocratic tendencies is its reaction to the UK's decision to leave. The EU has repeatedly insisted that the UK must face consequences for its decision to leave. The underlying purpose is to serve as an example for other member states considering referendums on EU membership. Many national governments have participated in these attempts to prevent their citizens from voting on EU matters, either to protect the EU project or to secure their own political futures in Brussels.

This may seem well-intentioned, but it is still undemocratic. While some politicians genuinely believe the EU is in their countries' best interests, others may use this to their advantage, ensuring that their careers thrive in the EU rather than focusing on the will of the people.

Conclusion

The perception of a democratic deficit in the EU stems from perceptions of proximity to decision-making and the control of information. While media often portrays the EU negatively, a deeper understanding of its structure and processes reveals a more nuanced picture. It is crucial for both citizens and politicians to recognize the impact of the EU on democratic processes and work towards improving transparency and inclusivity.