Being a citizen of the European Union (EU) means living under a complex system that often feels like a vast bureaucracy making decisions beyond our control. Many Europeans question the democratic nature of the EU and whether their votes in EU elections truly matter. So, how democratic is the EU, and does your vote actually make a difference?
In democratic states, public policies are ideally shaped by the will of the people. However, this is not a straightforward process, as numerous groups vie for influence to enact laws that benefit them. A functioning democracy relies on checks and balances to ensure fairness and prevent any single faction from dominating. Yet, these principles often stop at national borders, where international politics become anarchic, lacking a central authority to enforce laws and fairness.
Historically, powerful nations have exerted their will over others through force or coercion. Post-World War II, the United Nations was established to mitigate this anarchy by setting rules for international conduct. However, the UN’s limited power and the conflicting interests of its members often render it ineffective. The EU, on the other hand, aims to create enforceable rules and laws among its member nations, with the European Court of Justice capable of making binding decisions.
The EU was initially founded to ensure peace and prosperity among European nations and to enhance their collective international power. It strives to be a democratic entity legitimized by its citizens, despite the diverse priorities of its member countries. To achieve this, the EU employs a complex system that combines elements of both direct and indirect democracy.
There are four main institutions within the EU: the European Council, the Council of the EU, the European Commission, and the European Parliament. The European Council consists of the heads of government or state from member countries. The Council of the EU includes ministers from these countries. The European Commission acts as the EU’s de facto government, with one Commissioner from each member state. The European Parliament is the only institution directly elected by EU citizens during European elections.
While all EU institutions originate from either direct or indirect votes, the European Parliament is the most directly influenced by citizens. Over the past two decades, the Parliament has gained significant power, including the ability to approve new laws, influence the EU budget, and vote on international treaties. This makes your vote in the European elections highly influential, even on an international scale.
However, the European Parliament lacks the authority to propose new laws independently, a point often criticized as a democratic shortcoming. Currently, member state governments hold substantial control over the EU. Increasing the Parliament’s power could enhance the EU’s democratic nature but would also reduce the influence of individual member states.
As it stands, the EU is not as democratic as most of its member states, but it is democratic. If you disagree with EU decisions, such as those on copyright, you can research how your representatives voted and choose to vote them out. The EU is continually evolving, and your vote not only impacts current policies but also shapes the future structure of the Union.
Many parties and politicians advocate for strengthening the European Parliament, thereby increasing the power of your vote. Others prefer to maintain the status quo or even reduce the Parliament’s influence. It is up to you to decide what you believe is best for the future of the EU.
At the national level, the EU is often used as a scapegoat by politicians, especially before elections, who claim it wields excessive power. However, these politicians are frequently directly involved in EU decision-making. Democracy can be frustrating, complex, and sometimes dull, particularly within the EU. Yet, participating in the political process and caring about how our institutions evolve is one of the most powerful actions we can take as citizens.
Recent years have demonstrated that elections can lead to significant changes. We must decide whether we want to be active participants in this process. If we abstain from the political struggle, others will shape the future, potentially in ways we may not favor.
Given the importance of Europe, this content has been translated into multiple European languages, with contributions from various YouTubers. You can find the playlist with all language versions in the description.
Engage in a mock European Parliament election. Form political parties, develop platforms on key issues, and campaign for votes. This activity will help you understand the electoral process and the impact of your vote in shaping EU policies.
Participate in a structured debate on whether the European Parliament should have more legislative power. Research arguments for and against this change, and present your case. This will deepen your understanding of the EU’s democratic structure and the implications of altering it.
Choose one of the four main EU institutions and create a presentation detailing its role, structure, and influence. This will help you grasp the complexity of the EU’s governance and the interplay between its institutions.
Select a recent policy decision made by the EU and analyze its impact on member states and citizens. Discuss how democratic processes influenced this decision. This will illustrate the real-world implications of EU governance and your vote’s potential impact.
Design a campaign to encourage voter turnout in European elections. Use creative methods to highlight the importance of participation and how individual votes contribute to shaping the EU’s future. This will emphasize the power of civic engagement.
Democracy – A system of government in which the citizens exercise power by voting. – In a democracy, the people have the right to choose their leaders through free and fair elections.
Vote – A formal expression of preference for a candidate or proposal, typically expressed through a ballot. – Every citizen over the age of 18 has the right to vote in national elections.
EU – The European Union, a political and economic union of member countries located primarily in Europe. – The EU works to ensure economic cooperation and political stability among its member states.
Citizens – Members of a state or nation who have rights and responsibilities, including the right to vote and the duty to obey laws. – Citizens are encouraged to participate in their government by staying informed and voting in elections.
Parliament – A legislative body of government, typically responsible for making and passing laws. – The parliament debated the new bill for several weeks before it was passed into law.
Elections – The process by which citizens select their leaders or decide on policy issues through voting. – Elections are held every four years to choose the country’s president.
Power – The ability or authority to influence or control the behavior of people or the course of events. – The president has the power to veto legislation passed by Congress.
Influence – The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. – Lobbyists often try to influence lawmakers to pass favorable legislation.
Participation – The action of taking part in something, such as a political process or event. – Voter participation is crucial for a healthy democracy, as it reflects the will of the people.
Laws – Rules established by a government or other authority to regulate behavior and maintain order. – Laws are created to protect citizens and ensure justice within society.
