Democratizing the Union

Abstract

The last chapter of the book moves to more normative grounds and explores ct realist reformatory path that would help combine "independence" with "democracy." With most reformist strategies geared towards forcing EU political system into the framework of "representative democracy" little intellectual attention has been given to the independent institutions. As the European Commission, Court and Central Bank are now intervening at the very core of national social contracts, any major overhaul of the political union should therefore prioritize the bid to develop new)(brats of democratic connections with the various institutions that make up Europe's independent branch. Drawing on recent trends of reflections on "technical democracy," Democratizing Europe explores new ways to reconcile the required independence of these institutions with their full insertion into Europe's' public sphere and a responsiveness to the democratic debate.