Vox populi more popular than ever: voters’ challenges to the enlargement process

Mikić, Vladimir (2013) Vox populi more popular than ever: voters’ challenges to the enlargement process. In: The Global Economic Crisis and the Future of European Integration. University of Niš, Faculty of Economics, Niš, pp. 489-502. ISBN 978-86-6139-085-2

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Abstract

There exists no perspective for the European Union without explicit approval of its future shape given by its actual and potential citizens. To avoid deepening of the current institutional crisis, the decision-makers will have to listen carefully to voters’ choices, the expression of which seems destined to be given by national referendums. This paper analyzes the controversy arising between the two general methods of approving EU treaties and new members’ accession. It also examines a historical record and tendencies in decision-making within the parliamentary/ popular ratification dilemma. Whether the Union is ready to handle the possible negative outcomes of referendums to be held by actual and perspective Member States is another important question discussed. The growth of influence of direct democracy, with significant implications for future development of the Union, is inevitable if the latter is to legitimately overcome the economic and political crisis.

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