The June 1994 European elections offer the first opportunity for electors in twelve countries to vote as "citizens" of the European Union. The intense debate surrounding ratification of the Maastricht Treaty showed that many citizens feel increasingly out of touch with European institutions and decision-making. The treaty extends the powers of the European Parliament, yet once again the election campaigns look sat to focus on-domestic issues in the individual member states rather than on the effect on the whole Union of matters such as unemployment, immigration and the environment. This Special Paper outlines the role and increasing influence of the European Parliament and argues that the voters lack of interest results in part from the failure of politicians to explain its potential impact. The paper discusses the 1994 manifestos and assesses the implications of various scenarios: what does it mean for the EU and national governments if priority is not given to concerns about the democratic legitimacy of the Union?
- ISBN10 0905031849
- ISBN13 9780905031842
- Publish Date May 1994
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 11 April 1996
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Royal Institute of International Affairs
- Format Paperback
- Pages 84
- Language English