Quote:
Originally Posted by redi
The Lisbon Treaty has now been ratified by all 27 European Union (EU) states. This treaty is supposed to give more power to the people, however, the way the treaty has been ratified is very undemocratic, as a majority of EU countries did not hold a referendum!
This is a classical example of the top down roll out of an EU intitive. For a long time now, I have struggled with this approach and believe that there should be more of a bottom up (people engaging) approach toward EU initiatives. EU countries are extremely diverse and if the EU wants more political power - whether a good thing or bad - the EU should work toward engaging people so that a common ground can be found. This should then subsequently form the basis for EU initiatives. It is with this thought in mind that I compiled a short film, which I would like to share on this forum.
The film can be accessed via below link:
YouTube - EU and ME |
The ratification of the Lisbon treaty was far from perfect, but it was democratic. Referendums are no necessity for democratic decisions. How often have the US Americans voted over their constitution?
Where referendums where a constitutional necessity they took place (actually thats only the case in Ireland). I would have liked to see a more direct democratic approach but only one that has realistic chances of giving a possible yes majority a chance of success. 27 national referendums would not have granted such a chance but almost definitely lead to a no in the end, no matter if a majority in Europe would have been in favour or not. (1 no would be enough to bring it down, 1 out of 27)
So lets get over it and have a look what the Lisbon treaty actually does and what I see here is among others a considerable strengthening of the European Parliament. That means my vote for it will count substantially more in the next election. Furthermore the possibility of an EU referendum is to be introduced, where 1 million people signing in a considerable number of memberstates can demand that the Commission is considering possible laws to address a certain issue. (The detailed procedure needs to be made yet, but the treaty makes it obligatory that this is to be done). Thats not an EU wide referendum, but its a great tool to mobilize people across Europe behind an issue and that for the first time will create a new European dynamic. The Commission will be forced much more to listen to a common civil society then. A good step towards more democracy in Europe.
The main problem in the meanwhile in regards to the democratic deficit in the EU is not an institutional anymore, but the ignorance of the average European. The tool of EU referendums could be valuable in getting the Europeans out of their ignorance and start taking part in their role as the democratic sovereign who enforces control over the institutions by making their choice in the EU elections and also in the national elections dependent on how the Commission, Parliament and Council are going to act.