Normative Political Theory and the European Union

Abstract

The French and Dutch referendum rejections of the Constitutional Treaty on Europe again brought issues of the EU’s legitimacy and identity to the forefront of political debate. Does the EU suffer from legitimacy deficits? If so, what are their alleged symptoms, diagnosis and prescriptions? Is there, and should there be, a ‘European Identity?' Must Europeans share a core of values, traditions and rights – and should that requirement deny Turkey membership?

Keywords: EU, Constitutional Treaty, European identity, normative political theory, referendum