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Review
"An exciting, rigorous and compelling book. The fix of Hix makes much more sense than the Panglossians who want to do nothing or others who argue that all the EU′s problems will be resolved with better PR and more procedural reforms."
International Affairs
International Affairs
"Hix′s research makes a convincing case that left–right divisions have deeply penetrated policymaking in the parliament, the council and the commission. Missing is a contest for political power and policymaking between rival groups and policies, with clear winners and losers and a visible link between voting, leadership and outcome."
Irish Times
"[A] short and highly readable book, which began life as a series of policy papers written for the UK government."
Ethics and International Affairs
"Simon Hix′s analysis is as authoritative as his case for reform is compelling. Reasoned, rigorous and riveting, this book is a must–read for all who care about the future of the European Union."
Sir Stephen Wall
"An exceptionally clear and provocative argument in favour of ′limited democratic politics′ in the EU, showing precisely how it could be applied to the 2009 European elections."
Michael Shackleton, Secretariat of the European Parliament
"Simon Hix is among the leading political analysts of the European Union of his generation. Here he offers a critical yet balanced analysis of Europe′s ′democratic deficit′, linked to pragmatic proposals for reform. Whether one agrees or not, this slim and readable volume is required reading for anyone seriously concerned about the constitutional future and political legitimacy of Europe."
Andrew Moravcsik, Princeton University
Product Description
The European Union seems incapable of undertaking economic reforms and defining its place in the world. Public apathy towards the EU is also increasing, as citizens feel isolated from the institutions in Brussels and see no way to influence European level decisions.
Taking a diagnosis and cure approach to the EU′s difficulties, Simon Hix tackles these problems with distinct clarity and open–mindedness. What the EU needs, Hix contends, is more open political competition. This would promote policy innovation, foster coalitions across the institutions, provide incentives for the media to cover developments in Brussels, and enable citizens to identify who governs in the EU and to take sides in policy debates. The EU is ready for this new challenge. The institutional reforms since the 1980s have transformed the EU into a more competitive polity, and political battles and coalitions are developing inside and between the European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission.
This emerging politics should be more central to the Brussels policy process, with clearer coalitions and identifiable winners and losers, at least in the short term. The risks are low because the EU has multiple checks–and–balances. Yet, the potential benefits are high, as more open politics could enable the EU to overcome policy gridlock, rebuild public support, and reduce the democratic deficit. This indispensable book will be of great interest to students of the European politics, scholars, policy makers and anyone concerned with the future of the European Union.
Taking a diagnosis and cure approach to the EU′s difficulties, Simon Hix tackles these problems with distinct clarity and open–mindedness. What the EU needs, Hix contends, is more open political competition. This would promote policy innovation, foster coalitions across the institutions, provide incentives for the media to cover developments in Brussels, and enable citizens to identify who governs in the EU and to take sides in policy debates. The EU is ready for this new challenge. The institutional reforms since the 1980s have transformed the EU into a more competitive polity, and political battles and coalitions are developing inside and between the European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission.
This emerging politics should be more central to the Brussels policy process, with clearer coalitions and identifiable winners and losers, at least in the short term. The risks are low because the EU has multiple checks–and–balances. Yet, the potential benefits are high, as more open politics could enable the EU to overcome policy gridlock, rebuild public support, and reduce the democratic deficit. This indispensable book will be of great interest to students of the European politics, scholars, policy makers and anyone concerned with the future of the European Union.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I don't normally write amazon reviews so this is partly just to counteract the incredibly misleading one-star review that is already there. That review, although clearly by a raving Euro-sceptic (as his/her reference to the Irish vote shows) may be giving out the wrong idea.
This book is an excellent analysis of the Eu's democratic/legitimacy deficit and addresses the fundemental problem that while the EU is procedurally very democratic (elected Council, elected Parliament, indirectly elected Commission), moreso than the UK, it lacks a 'European public' necessary to make these institutions work properly. He does not say that the system is perfect (far from it, hence the title 'what's wrong with the EU) and does not think the US system is perfect, just the only system that we can reasonably compare the EU to (although the EU is unique and thus comparisons don't work).
If Hix is pushing any agenda at all, it is to stop the EU being run by 'faceless Brussels bureaucrats', something surely everyone wants?!
This is an excellent book and as someone who did their Masters degree partly on European Union politics I found it incredibly useful both for the points it makes and the style used to make them which is eloquent and accessible.
This book is an excellent analysis of the Eu's democratic/legitimacy deficit and addresses the fundemental problem that while the EU is procedurally very democratic (elected Council, elected Parliament, indirectly elected Commission), moreso than the UK, it lacks a 'European public' necessary to make these institutions work properly. He does not say that the system is perfect (far from it, hence the title 'what's wrong with the EU) and does not think the US system is perfect, just the only system that we can reasonably compare the EU to (although the EU is unique and thus comparisons don't work).
If Hix is pushing any agenda at all, it is to stop the EU being run by 'faceless Brussels bureaucrats', something surely everyone wants?!
This is an excellent book and as someone who did their Masters degree partly on European Union politics I found it incredibly useful both for the points it makes and the style used to make them which is eloquent and accessible.
Format:Paperback
Professor Hix is one of my teachers at university. This book is excellent at the task of deconstructing the facets of the EU which need to be remedied. The essential thrust of his argument is that the EU's democratic deficit needs to be eliminated through democratising key institutions and enforcing political contestation of policy on a greater level that currently exists. He is fair to acknowledge that the checks and ballances which are currently at work within the EU ensure that the overall direction of the EU is neutral. Without these changes, though, the EU will remain undemocratic, in a state of an 'enlightened despotism'.
I would have to disagree, however, at the discussion of the extent to which democracy should permeate the EU. Professor Hix states that 'limited democratic politics' is what is best for the EU currently. I believe that all politics should be democratic and when a supra-national entity removes sovereignty from a state, or enforces its own regulations and ideology, the changes cannot be greeted with legitimacy.
I think Professor Hix begins on the wrong track when attempting to show that the EU is more necessary than ever. He is right that co-operation between countries within Europe is necessary for us to prosper and hold our own against China, India, the US etc. But engaging in a political and economic union of this scale offers very few additional benefits that simple co-operation and trade agreements can offer. This can allow national leaders to bargain with each other on a mandate from their home electorate.
This would be a better way of doing things with Europe
I would have to disagree, however, at the discussion of the extent to which democracy should permeate the EU. Professor Hix states that 'limited democratic politics' is what is best for the EU currently. I believe that all politics should be democratic and when a supra-national entity removes sovereignty from a state, or enforces its own regulations and ideology, the changes cannot be greeted with legitimacy.
I think Professor Hix begins on the wrong track when attempting to show that the EU is more necessary than ever. He is right that co-operation between countries within Europe is necessary for us to prosper and hold our own against China, India, the US etc. But engaging in a political and economic union of this scale offers very few additional benefits that simple co-operation and trade agreements can offer. This can allow national leaders to bargain with each other on a mandate from their home electorate.
This would be a better way of doing things with Europe
Format:Paperback
This book gives an in depth overview of the scenario in Brussels. It highlights the functioning of the EU institutions mainly the EU Council, Commission and Parliament. Of most interest is the recommendations given by Simon Hix and his arguments in favour or against his own suggestions. It is an excellent book.
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