Anthony Teasdale, Head of Policy Strategy, EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament
". . . an exciting and timely paper that should be read by everyone interested in how Europe is governed."

Book Description
For a quarter of a century Europe’s citizens have been able to elect members of the European Parliament. Yet, rather than generating interest in European political affairs, EP elections have been characterized by low turnout and a focus on national rather than European affairs. At the same time, there are claims that the European Union is suffering from a "democratic deficit." What can be done to overcome these problems? This book argues that European elections should contribute directly to the formation of the European Commission, a key part of the Union’s executive. This could be done by direct or indirect election of the Commission President or the whole College of Commissioners, depending on whether one favors a parliamentary or a presidential system of government.

About the Author
Julie Smith is deputy director of the Centre of International Studies, University of Cambridge, a fellow of Robinson College, Cambridge, and an associate fellow of Chatham House.

SYNOPSIS

For a quarter of a century Europe's citizens have been able to elect members of the European Parliament. Yet, rather than generating interest in European political affairs, EP elections have been characterized by low turnout and a focus on national rather than European affairs. At the same time, there are claims that the European Union is suffering from a "democratic deficit." What can be done to overcome these problems?

This book argues that European elections should contribute directly to the formation of the European Commission, a key part of the Union's executive. This could be done by direct or indirect election of the Commission President or the whole College of Commissioners, depending on whether one favors a parliamentary or a presidential system of government.

FROM THE CRITICS

Anthony Teasdale - Head of Policy Strategy, EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament

"The question of who chooses the European Commission is central to the future institutional design of the European Union. The issue of whether the European Parliament can close the legitimacy gap at EU level is at the heart of debates about resolving the democracy deficit. Julie Smith addresses these key issues head on in an exciting and timely paper that should be read by everyone interested in how Europe is governed."

ACCREDITATION