Democratic Deficit In The European Union
The concept of a Democratic deficit within the European Union is the idea that institutions of the European Union lack democratic accountability and legitimacy compared to the national governments of its member states. The term was initially used to criticise the transfer of legislative powers from national governments to the Council of ministers of the EU. This led to an elected European Parliament being created and given the power to approve or reject EU legislation. Since then, usage of the term has broadened to describe newer issues facing the European Union.
Opinions differ as to whether the European Union has a democratic deficit or how it should be remedied if it exists. Proponents of Pro-Europeanism or European unification argue that the European Union should reform its institutions to make them more accountable, while Eurosceptics argue that the European Union should reduce its powers.
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