Inequality, Poor Governance and Legitimacy Deficits in the European Union

Michael Longo,George Messinis

doi:10.15209/jbsge.v11i1.998

Abstract

This article offers an interdisciplinary perspective on the drivers of political and economic crisis in the European Union. A growing body of literature highlights the detrimental effects of extractive institutions on opportunity, sustainable growth and social cohesion. The article therefore examines the link between income inequality, corruption and perceptions of illegitimacy in the European Union. It conjectures that poor institutional quality and governance are critical drivers of the European Union’s legitimacy deficit. The article concludes that for the European regional project to advance there is a need for greater institutional convergence amongst member states and a renewed commitment to social cohesion.

Highlights

From its inception the European Union (EU) has drawn generously, and gained inspiration, from the imperative of an ever-closer union
Words and sentiments such as ‘solidarity’, ‘cohesion’, and ‘integration’ itself, proved self-fulfilling as the EU marched towards peace and prosperity – the original twin imperatives of European integration (EI)
While the European Commission pleads for greater unity, its federative proposals are not enthusiastically received by many EU citizens who are increasingly disenchanted with globalisation and its European counterpart, Europeanisation

Summary

Introduction

From its inception the European Union (EU) has drawn generously, and gained inspiration, from the imperative of an ever-closer union. An epoch-making vocabulary emerged over half a century of development, which seemed to express the EU’s objectives to improve the lives of all of its citizens Words and sentiments such as ‘solidarity’, ‘cohesion’, and ‘integration’ itself, proved self-fulfilling as the EU marched towards peace and prosperity – the original twin imperatives of European integration (EI). It proposes that the interaction of inequality and social exclusion is a critical element of the EU’s legitimacy crisis. As key drivers of the legitimacy crisis, regional inequalities have been attributed to three major factors: accelerated globalisation; monetary union; and fiscal discipline

Globalisation and the loss of sovereignty

The inadequacy of monetary union

Austerity and economic growth

Findings

Conclusion