EU institutional architecture: critical considerations following its reform under the Lisbon Treaty

Authors

  • José María Porras Ramírez

Keywords:

European Union, Treaty of Lisbon, frame of government, federalism, democracy

Abstract

The institutional system of the European Union made up by the Lisbon Treaty expresses the transaction between the States interests and the general interests of the Union. This institutional balance suffers a constant threat. Therefore, it will be the federal or the intergovernmental dynamic of the system that, in the end, will give it a consistent and durable shape. The Treaty of Lisbon does not modify the existing frame of government, but it does go into the topic in depth; that is the reason the contradictions and deficiencies of it subsist. Nevertheless, we may verify a more complete rationalisation of the institutional competences and a more visible interaction of the institutions considered. Specifically, now they are better adapted to the new and wider geographic dimensions of the European Union. But we are still far from reaching the goal that expresses the ambition to shape a federal organisation fully based on the European democratic willpower.

Issue

Section

ARTICLES