Representation and Legitimation

Abstract

The second item in our discussion schedule was designed to focus participants’ attention on the complexity of the political world of government and decision making in the specific context of the European Union (EU). The question posed was ‘Comment répartir le pouvoir en Europe?’/‘How should power be distributed in Europe?’ We gave our groups four options – the nations, the market, elected MPs and experts – inviting them to consider the advantages and disadvantages of power being wielded by each. In setting the question up this way we were, of course, following standard accounts of EU governance and legitimacy and adverting to the matter of democratic deficit.