In the move of the ‘Europeanisation’, the deepening and widening of the European Union, the system of European governance is becoming ever more complex. The increase from 15 to 25 Member States and the needs of cooperation amongst the different levels of the European Union (EU) - European, national, regional and local level – are posing a challenge to democracy. The lack of democratic legitimacy of today’s traditional system requires alternative ways of governing which are already developing. A solution to the question of legitimacy and structure is the deliberative democracy theory of John Dryzek. In this context Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), as representatives of civil society, are playing an important role and the EU promotes the cooperation with this sector. However, cooperation is concentrated on NGO umbrella organizations on the EU level. It is argued, that the socio-political strategy of the EU undermines the idea of deliberative democracy and in particular the function of NGOs. Through privileging selected, international networks the latter risk loosing their autonomy. Smaller and local NGOs tend to be left out, even though it is especially those that have close contact with the citizenry and the practical knowledge to develop strategies for solutions. Consequently, new socio-political structures need to aim at involving a wide range of NGOs of all sizes and levels into EU politics as partners next to international networks. EU politics need to become more flexible so that established traditions do not hazard the genuine representation and involvement of civil society in a deliberative sense and thus democratic legitimacy.
Table of Contents
I Introduction
1 Democratic deficit and crisis of legitimacy
2 Deliberative democracy and the regeneration of legitimacy
3 The role of NGOs from a deliberative perspective
3.1 The scientific point of view
3.2 The global dimension
3.3 The European dimension
3.4 The national dimension
3.5 The Non-Governmental point of view
3.6 Resume of hopes and expectations towards NGOs
4 Framework conditions for EU-NGO cooperation
4.1 Legal and institutional framework
4.1.1 Principles and regulations
4.1.2 Consultation by policy areas
4.1.3 Approaches towards trans-sectoral and multileveled influence
4.1.4 Problems and limitations
4.2 Financial framework
4.2.1 Sources of EU Funding
4.2.2 Grant giving criteria
4.2.3 Resulting disparities and concerns
5 Berlin case studies
5.1 Online deliberation by ‘poldi.net’
5.2 Make deliberation be politics – Politikfabrik
6 Towards a genuinely participative governance
6.1 A reform for civil dialogue
6.2 Equal and inclusive involvement
III Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This study examines the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) as essential actors in fostering deliberative democracy within the complex European Union governance system, with the aim of proposing reforms to enhance civil dialogue and democratic legitimacy.
- The democratic deficit and crisis of legitimacy in the EU.
- The application of deliberative democracy theory to EU governance.
- The institutional, legal, and financial framework conditions for EU-NGO cooperation.
- Case studies on NGO activities in Berlin and their impact on policy deliberation.
- Recommendations for a more genuinely participative and inclusive European governance.
Auszug aus dem Buch
3.1 The scientific point of view
The role that NGOs play in society is still a topic of discussion amongst scientists as well as in politics. While economists regard NGOs as service organisations, providing services not offered or not sufficiently provided by the state, in the sociologist’s opinion NGOs are playing a larger and more active role. They consider NGOs to be advocacy organisations defending interests of certain collective associations (Frič; Goulli; Vyskocilová 2004:1). The latter understanding is gaining considerable acceptance and is the base for this analysis. Deliberative democracy theorists define NGOs as a deliberative tool. Habermas e.g. concentrates his model of deliberative politics primarily on social movements, but empirical research has proven that the institutional relation of the model can, with certain restrictions, be extended to a communal level and to NGOs. Also Dryzek includes NGOs as actors within international ‘discursive’ design (Dryzek, 1990: 103-106). Ottersbach describes that deliberative processes can not only be found within social movements, but also within institutionalised forms of civil engagement and even within the representative political system.
Summary of Chapters
I Introduction: This chapter outlines the democratic challenges posed by the complexity of EU governance and introduces the theory of deliberative democracy as a potential solution.
1 Democratic deficit and crisis of legitimacy: This chapter analyzes the democratic deficit in the EU, exploring its historical roots and the structural issues affecting the legitimacy of EU decision-making.
2 Deliberative democracy and the regeneration of legitimacy: This chapter introduces the theoretical framework of deliberative democracy, discussing its core principles and how it might help regenerate legitimacy in supranational systems.
3 The role of NGOs from a deliberative perspective: This chapter examines the multifaceted roles of NGOs as advocates, watchdogs, and deliberative tools, considering views from science and practice.
4 Framework conditions for EU-NGO cooperation: This chapter provides an in-depth assessment of the institutional, legal, and financial conditions that define and restrict the participation of NGOs in EU politics.
5 Berlin case studies: This chapter illustrates NGO activities through practical examples, focusing on online deliberation and grassroots political dialogue initiatives in Berlin.
6 Towards a genuinely participative governance: This chapter synthesizes previous findings to offer concrete reform suggestions aimed at establishing a more effective, inclusive, and participative governance model in the EU.
III Conclusion: This chapter summarizes the study's findings, reiterating the necessity for institutional and structural reforms to fully integrate civil society into the European governance system.
Keywords
European Union, NGOs, deliberative democracy, democratic deficit, legitimacy, civil society, participative governance, advocacy, EU-NGO cooperation, institutional framework, civil dialogue, European policy, transparency, political participation, supranational governance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this work?
The research explores the potential of NGOs to contribute to democratic legitimacy in the European Union through the lens of deliberative democracy theory.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include the EU's democratic deficit, the theory of deliberative democracy, the institutional and financial framework for NGOs in the EU, and practical examples of NGO influence.
What is the main objective of this study?
The objective is to analyze current limitations and provide recommendations for a more effective and inclusive civil dialogue between EU institutions and NGOs.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The study utilizes a theoretical analysis of democratic governance models combined with an empirical examination of current EU frameworks and qualitative case studies.
What is addressed in the main body of the paper?
The main body investigates the theoretical role of NGOs, the practical legal and financial hurdles to their involvement, and provides case studies of NGO-led deliberative initiatives.
Which keywords best describe this research?
The core keywords are European Union, NGOs, deliberative democracy, democratic legitimacy, civil society, and participative governance.
How does the author view the 'NGOisation' of EU politics?
The author discusses this phenomenon as both a sign of NGOs' increased importance as democratic guarantors and a potential source of disillusionment due to gaps between participation and real influence.
What challenges do small NGOs face according to this analysis?
Small and local NGOs face significant hurdles due to complex bureaucracy, strict grant-giving criteria, and the tendency of EU institutions to favor large, established umbrella networks.
What is the proposed reform for the European Citizens Initiative (ECI)?
The author suggests that if the ECI is implemented genuinely, it needs to be accessible and allow for real influence on the European agenda, rather than just being a tool for powerful, well-resourced organizations.
- Quote paper
- Diplom-Kauffrau, MA Contemporary European Studies Vanessa Buth (Author), 2006, Capacities of participative governance: The role of NGOs in EU politics , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/65495
