Elections To The European Parliament In Times Of Crisis: This Time Is It Different? Cover Image

Izbori za Evropski parlament u vreme krize: šta je drugačije ovog puta
Elections To The European Parliament In Times Of Crisis: This Time Is It Different?

Author(s): Ivana Radić Milosavljević
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences
Published by: Fakultet političkih nauka Univerziteta u Beogradu
Keywords: European Parliament; elections; new institutional arrangements; crisis; EMU; politicization; legitimacy

Summary/Abstract: The paper explores the European Parliament's capacities as an actor in the process of overcoming the contemporary EU crisis. It starts with a critical analysis of both formal and informal institutional arrangements introduced with the Lisbon Treaty and during the process of 2014 European elections preparation. It is argued that although the EP has gained powers concerning the election of the European executive chief, the EP increasingly loses its powers within policies that are the main generators of crisis. That is why the EP cannot play a significant role in overcoming the EU crisis nor can the citizens who elect it. Apart from institutional incapability, the role of the Parliament is further complicated by new circumstances — holding elections and constituting the EP under the conditions of increased politicization caused by the protracted crisis. The paper concludes that the EP, just as the EU itself, has been caught in a vicious circle where the crisis and politicization produce deep divisions, and divisions consequently preclude taking anti-crisis measures.

  • Issue Year: 2015
  • Issue No: 13
  • Page Range: 45-62
  • Page Count: 18