We follow up our recent post, To veto or not to veto, with more discussion on democracy and the EU (see also Discontented Democrats). Meanwhile here is the definition of the term ‘democratic deficit’ from the EU’s own glossary: “‘Democratic deficit’ is a term used by people who argue that the EU institutions and their … More Democratic Deficit
Today it is exactly six months since the UK Referendum, in which a majority of those who voted chose that Britain should leave the EU. We celebrate this half-anniversary with a long post on an issue – democracy – that goes to the heart of what’s wrong with the EU today. The Electoral Reform Society … More Discontented Democrats
The EU, stung by criticism of its “democratic deficit”, tried to improve control over its unelected Commission. It hasn’t worked. Two academics, one German and one American, have published a review of legislative procedures in the EU. Their article can be found on a website of the London School of Economics: http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2016/10/25/a-dearth-of-legislative-vetoes/ “Several reforms have … More To Veto or not to Veto?
A review, with quotations, of an analysis of the EU’s pet fundamental, by a legal expert. This blog: http://eulawanalysis.blogspot.my/2016/11/eu-free-movement-law-in-10-questions.html offers useful clarification on the contentious issue of freedom of movement of persons/labour (the two words are widely used indiscriminately but are obviously different. Treaties refer to ‘persons’ but in practice freedom is restricted mostly to workers … More Freedom of Movement (1)
Uncertainty still rules One thing we know for certain – the future is uncertain. Economic forecasts are certainly unreliable, as we’ve pointed out before (in Economics and Economic Forecasts are wrong), and any uncertainties in the data dramatically disturb the mathematical models used to predict the outcomes of decisions. Likewise, extraneous events in our uncertain … More Shorties-4
The distribution of the benefits of globalisation is uneven, distorted. Those who favour globalisation are among the beneficiaries; they have paid too little attention to all those who have not benefited, and not just the losers. Finding ways to offset the damage to those who lose their jobs is important. Finding ways to spread the … More Globalisation: Ins and Outs
The EU is based on a redundant ideology from which its leaders are unable, indeed unwilling, to free themselves. And the troubles and crises that result may well be terminal (see our EU Future topic area for more detailed discussions). Brexit is simply a symptom of the troubles and crises that the EU has brought … More Back to Brexit Basics
The Plot Thickens The EU, which sprang from the best of motives, nevertheless saw deviousness as imperative to the mission’s success. Not surprisingly, the Project was captured by those who revel in the success of their plots more than successful outcomes for the citizens they’re supposed to be acting for. An extreme example is the … More Shorties-3
In October 2015 the EU Commission issued a COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL AND THE EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK Its subtitle is: On steps towards Completing Economic and Monetary Union and the issue code is ‘Brussels, 21.10.2015 COM(2015) 600 Final’ It’s 17 pages long and contains an update to and continuation … More EU Still Converging
We have seen several right-wing – and a few left-wing – populist movements growing in EU member states. The rapid growth is alarming the EU’s mandarins who see rising popular resentment about trade, migration and budgets as threats to their project. What they don’t understand is why these “stupid populists” (Jean-Claude Juncker) are pressing them … More Panic Reactions
This EU Won't Work 