European Union: Toward a Rescue of the Political Project

The European Union as it is today is facing challenges. Often criticized within the different European member states, the role of the Union is more and more discussed. If it is undeniable that the European Union enables its members to gain economic powers in our globalized world, its political legitimacy is questionnable. What exactly are the criticisms made toward the European Union? This thesis explores the structural flaws of the Union as well as its inconsistencies in the way politics is handled. This thesis also shows that the European Union is driven by economic motives at the cost of legitimation. The 27 member states are unable to cooperate and they defend their national interests rather than interests that would benefit the community as a whole. The member states are thus competing with each other, and some of them try to impose their political and economic ambitions on others, leading to an increase of inequalities between the members. This situation is exacerbated by a disconnection between states and citizens. Policies are decided behind closed doors and citizens have no voice in the European decision-making process which challenges the legitimacy of the Union. As a consequence, European citizens are losing interest in the Union, and the European project appears to be at risk. Could the European Union be legitimized? This thesis analyzes theories of two philosophers: Jürgen Habermas and Jean-Marc Ferry. They provide relevant suggestions to solve the issues encountered at the European level and they prioritize the role citizens should play in the political life of the Union. This thesis argues that the European project can be rescued through an increase in political and participation rights for citizens. Nonetheless, other improvements must be completed. The European institutions must be

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Social and Political Thought

Grantor dc:publisher

Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina

Year dc:date.issued

2020

Author dc:creator

• Davoust, Manon

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Melancon, Jerome

Committee member dc:contributor.committeemember

• Mudde, Anna

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

https://doi.org/10.82465/5118

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:uregina.scholaris.ca:10294/9324