Sovereignty of the European Parliament
No.2(2003)
Abstract
Keywords:
European Parliament; European Union; decision-making process; legitimacy; legality; integration; powers; division of powers; checks and balances.
The authors of this article compare the powers of the European Parliament and the classical national parliament as a part of the triad of powers in the state. In this context, they found the powers of the European Parliament limited and non-consistent in relation to the other institutions and national parliaments. This is, according to the authors, the main reason of current troubles with a proposal of a Treaty on the European Constitution. There is still a deep gap between legitimacy of the European Parliament that comes out from the principle of direct voting and its powers. The only power comparable with those of the classical national parliament is self-administration. On the contrary, in the most important field - legislative process - the European Parliament is only the second most important European body along with the Council. The authors take a view that the finding of proper balance among institutions and their legitimicy for making decisions shloud be understood as the key element for successful integration of Europe in the future.
European Parliament; European Union; decision-making process; legitimacy; legality; integration; powers; division of powers; checks and balances.