National Parliaments in an Integrated Europe

The acquisition of increased powers by the European Parliament has raised the spectre of a "competition legislature" for national parliaments, and even the threat of a democratic deficit at the national level. At this moment, the author of this book suggests, it is vital to recognize and reinforce the ways in which the institutions of the European Union are politically accountable to member States. In this analysis of the participation by domestic legislatures in policy-making and legislative processes at the European level, Adam Jan Cygan focuses on the evolving means by which the legislatures of Germany and the United Kingdom are responding to the increased competence of the European Union. This technique allows him to highlight such factors as: the procedures of European scrutiny committees in the United Kingdom Houses of Parliament and the German Bundestag; the accountability of national ministers for decisions taken in the European Council of Ministers; the role of sub-national governments, as revealed in both the formal federal system of Germany and the devolved administrations of the United Kingdom, in European affairs; and the continuing impact of Treaty provisions and informal co-operation between member States. This text demonstrates that, contrary to some prevailing beliefs, national parliaments are not necessarily destined to become mere administrative institutions. In fact, the national initiatives and procedures analyzed here reveal a firm commitment to compel the attention of the European Commission and the European Parliament toward national and even sub-national accountability. However, as in all political matters, vigilance and tenacity are necessary to prevent erosion of democracy and national legislative competence. This book aims to enable all interested parties legislators, policy-makers, government officials at all levels, academics, and others to proceed knowledgeably and confidently in this important area.