Building and consolidating democracy are perennial processes. The European Union fundamentally appears as a community of values assumed and actively promoted by the member states. If values transcend generations, their forms of expression may vary depending on the socio-political framework. The essence of functional democracy lies in permanent cooperation between the state and society, based on responsibility, trust and mutual support. Having said that, numerous studies have shown that, at present, citizens feel systematically removed from the decision-making process, because democratic practices tend to become more and more formal, rigid, and European institutions act without asking for or, sometimes, even in ignoring the opinions expressed in society. The bodies of the Union must encourage civic engagement in all its forms, by developing normative framework conditions intended to encourage the individual desire for involvement of every European citizen. Participatory democracy can be combined with demarchy, representing the drawing of lots of a group of citizens invested with decision-making power on matters of major interest. In an age dominated by the optimism of rational planning, random democratic procedures can help strengthen the legitimacy of representative institutions and rebuild citizens' trust in the political class. In addition to the inherent need for reform that can be found in each member state, at the level of the Union there is also the major problem of Euroscepticism, which can be combated exactly by more sincerely affirming and implementing through new forms the values inscribed in the treaties.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTORY CONSIDERATIONS
DELIBERATVE DEMOCRACY AT THE LEVEL OF THE UNION
Applications of deliberative theory (REACH Regulation)
Institutionalisation of the deliberative democratic model
DEMARCHY ON EUROPEAN SCALE
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
Objectives & Themes
The work aims to analyze the current democratic deficit within the European Union and explores how integrating deliberative and participatory democratic models, such as demarchy (sortition), can enhance civic engagement and institutional legitimacy.
- The dysfunctionalities of traditional representative democracy in the EU.
- The theoretical and practical application of deliberative democracy.
- Case study analysis of the REACH Regulation and chemical policy governance.
- Proposals for institutional reform including sorts and a new "House of Lots".
- The necessity of fostering a common sense of European civil society to combat Euroscepticism.
Excerpt from the publication
INTRODUCTORY CONSIDERATIONS
Power, whether we refer to its forms of manifestation or to the way, it has evolved throughout the history, arouses a special interest in transdisciplinary study. Philosophically, power is strictly associated with social relations, having the role of structuring and coordinating the main frameworks of action. Depending on the direction in which it is conducted, power can be transitive or intransitive. Max Weber defines (transitive) power as every opportunity arisen within social relations to transfer one's will to others, even in spite of an encountered opposition. On the other hand, if power is aimed at coagulating a community, we are discussing its intransitive form. Hegel elaborates on this type of power and introduces the reflexive concept of constitutive power, to which he gives social-political connotations. Crystallized at the confluence between the individual, as an autonomous form of affirmation of man in society, and the general – a consequence of human interaction, the constitutive power places the state at the highest level of morality, as a living entity that brings together individual and general wills, normally considered antagonistic when they are manifested simultaneously. The intransitive power of the community (Gemeinwesen) is thus alive, organic and has a constitutive character.
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTORY CONSIDERATIONS: This section defines the philosophical framework of power and discusses the EU's legitimacy crisis, highlighting the gap between institutional potential and political realization.
DELIBERATVE DEMOCRACY AT THE LEVEL OF THE UNION: This chapter analyzes the procedural requirements for deliberative democracy, utilizing the REACH Regulation adoption process as a practical case study for consultation and iterative policy-making.
DEMARCHY ON EUROPEAN SCALE: This chapter explores reforming EU institutions through sortition (drawing of lots) to address the democratic deficit and reduce the influence of oligarchic party structures.
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The concluding chapter summarizes the need for a new "integration through conflict" approach, stressing that citizen involvement must be institutionalized to ensure legal relevance.
Keywords
demarchy, representivity, lottocracy, community, engagement, European Union, deliberative democracy, REACH, sortition, civic participation, governance, political legitimacy, institutional reform, European Parliament, citizen members.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work examines the democratic deficit within the European Union and explores strategies to bridge the gap between citizens and institutions through new democratic models.
What are the central themes discussed?
The central themes include the transition from traditional elective democracy to deliberative and participatory systems, the role of civil society in governance, and institutional reform via sortition.
What is the main objective of the author?
The objective is to propose a framework for a more deliberative and participatory European Union that increases transparency and improves citizen trust.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author uses a transdisciplinary approach, blending political philosophy, constitutional law, and empirical case study analysis—specifically focusing on the historic REACH regulatory debates.
What is discussed in the main part of the paper?
The main part covers the theoretical foundations of constitutive power, the practical implementation of deliberative practices during the REACH legislative process, and a proposal for a "House of Lots" as a second parliamentary chamber.
What are the essential keywords characterizing the study?
Key terms include demarchy, representivity, lottocracy, deliberative democracy, and institutional reform.
How does the author define the "House of Lots"?
It is a proposed second chamber of the European Parliament consisting of 200 citizen members selected by a weighted lottery to debate controversial issues and provide independent recommendations.
What is the significance of the REACH Regulation in this context?
The REACH Regulation serves as a case study to demonstrate how formal consultations and iterative dialogue can harmonize divergent economic and environmental interests at the EU level.
How does sortition aim to improve EU decision-making?
Sortition is proposed as a way to avoid oligarchic power structures, depoliticize high-interest issues, and ensure that decision-making reflects the will of ordinary citizens rather than special interest groups.
What is the author's overall conclusion on democratic legitimacy?
The author concludes that institutionalized participation, characterized by "integration through conflict," is necessary for the consolidation of a democratic and legitimate European Union.
- Quote paper
- Cosmin Țugui (Author), 2023, Towards a more Deliberative and Participatory European Union, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1363801
