Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
4. Uluslararası Bilimsel Gelişmeler Kongresi (ICONSAD'24), Balıkesir, Türkiye, 25 - 28 Aralık 2024, ss.256-257
The
democratic deficit of the European Union (EU) remains a central critique of its
governance structure, raising significant concerns regarding its legitimacy,
transparency, and accountability. This study explores the historical and
institutional origins of the EU’s democratic deficit, examining how pivotal
events, such as the Brexit referendum and the Maastricht and Lisbon Treaties,
have intensified the tension between supranational governance and national
sovereignty. At the heart of the democratic deficit is the growing disconnect
between the powers of EU institutions and the mechanisms available for public
oversight and influence. As the EU expands its jurisdiction over traditionally
national policy areas, citizens perceive it as increasingly distant and
unresponsive. The study traces the evolution of this deficit from the
technocratic vision of Jean Monnet through to its deepening following key
integration milestones. Central to the critique are challenges to core
democratic principles: representation, participation, accountability,
transparency, and elections. The EU's decision-making processes, often marked
by opacity and dominated by unelected technocrats in bodies like the European
Commission and the Council of Ministers, exacerbate these concerns. Despite the
European Parliament's direct election, its limited legislative powers further
fuel Euroscepticism. The inability of citizens to hold EU leaders accountable
undermines the foundational democratic concept of electoral sanction. The lack
of a coherent "mythology of integration," as evidenced by referenda
such as Denmark’s rejection of the Maastricht Treaty and the narrow approval in
France, underscores the fragility of public support for deeper integration.
Brexit serves as a stark reminder of the EU’s failure to address the concerns
of its electorate. While treaties such as Lisbon aimed to increase transparency
and public engagement, these reforms have often fallen short in addressing the
EU's systemic democratic deficiencies. This study argues that the democratic
deficit is not only a consequence of institutional design but also a product of
the EU’s historical trajectory, characterized by a complex relationship between
supranational governance and national sovereignty. Overcoming this deficit requires
creating a more participatory and transparent system that bridges the gap
between EU institutions and its citizens, ensuring the long-term political and
democratic sustainability of European integration.
Keywords: Democratic Deficit; European
Union Governance; Legitimacy Crisis; Transparency and Accountability;
Supranational Governance