Europe as the Would-be World Power
The EU at Fifty

Giandomenico Majone explores the reasons behind the failure of the EU system to deliver satisfactory growth performance.

Giandomenico Majone (Author)

9780521765282, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 23 July 2009

266 pages
23.5 x 15.5 x 1.7 cm, 0.55 kg

'… Majone describes the pathologies of European decision-making in a superb and comprehensive manner. … [his] sophisticated and complex analysis seems chiefly suited to European academics …' International Affairs

For fifty years European integration has been pursued according to an operational code based on rules which have never been publicly discussed. This book demonstrates the far-reaching consequences of the prioritisation of integration over competing values, fait accompli and other implicit rules of action. The willingness to sacrifice democracy on the altar of integration is demonstrated by the monopoly of legislative initiative granted to the non-elected Commission. Monetary union preceding, rather than following, political integration is a striking example of fait accompli, and the reason behind many holes in the EU system of economic governance. Until now, academics have avoided radical criticism; Giandomenico Majone argues that only an open acknowledgement of the obsolescence of the traditional methods can stem the rising tide of Euro-scepticism.

Introduction
1. An elitist project
2. Federalism old and new
3. Cryptofederalism
4. Unintended consequences of cryptofederalism
5. The mirage of social Europe
6. The democratic deficit and all that
7. The obsolescence of the traditional integration methods
8. Unity in diversity.

Subject Areas: Laws of Specific jurisdictions [LN], EU & European institutions [JPSN2]