How to Democratize Europe

Scholars and politicians from Europe and America propose creating a new European parliament with budgetary and legislative power to solve the Eurozone crisis and promote social and fiscal justice and public investment. The book discusses the charge that Eurozone policies serve large and wealthy countries at the expense of poorer nations and proposes a draft treaty establishing a parliament for economic policy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 12 April 2019
Publisher: Harvard University Press

The European Union faces significant challenges, including the rise of Euroskeptic parties, economic distress in the south, the migrant crisis, and Brexit. However, deeper structural problems may pose a greater long-term threat. One of the key issues is the economic management of the Eurozone, which encompasses nineteen countries that use the Euro. How can this be achieved in a way that is generally acceptable to members, given a political system that is often criticized for lacking democratic accountability? Moreover, how can the EU promote fiscal and social justice while initiating long-term public investments necessary to overcome stagnation?

To address these challenges, a distinguished group of European and American scholars has come together in this short but valuable book. Among the longstanding grievances is the charge that Eurozone policies favor large and wealthy countries at the expense of poorer nations. It is also unclear who decides economic policy, how the interests of diverse member states are balanced, and to whom the decision-makers are accountable.

The four lead authors, Stephanie Hennette, Thomas Piketty, Guillaume Sacriste, and Antoine Vauchez, describe these and other problems and propose a draft treaty establishing a parliament for economic policy, its members drawn from national parliaments. In the following paragraphs, we will hear from invited critics who express support, objections, or alternative ideas.

How to Democratize Europe offers a unique opportunity to observe how major thinkers view some of the Continent's most pressing issues. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges facing the EU and offers innovative solutions to address them. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the future of Europe and the role of the EU in shaping it.

Weight: 442g
Dimension: 238 x 163 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674988088