Publication

This paper describes how the ratification of the EU Constitutional Treaty (CT) is a significant step in the process of forming a democratic EU polity. The paper examines public opinion throughout the EU member states and identifies common elements that contribute to the contested legitimacy of the EU and cement the gap between EU decision-making institutions and its citizens. The authors argue that an emergence of a European polity depends on education, information, communication, participation, and a real partnership unfolding between national and European institutions, while emphasizing the need for a politicized orchestration of such a process by the European political elites. The authors warn that rejection of the CT would risk suspension of the enlargement process and hinder development of the EU as an effective multilateral actor. The authors conclude that ratification of the CT can ameliorate the latent forces of populism and nationalism and pave the way for a formation of a European polity.