Το χάσμα μεταξύ πολιτικής και οικονομίας

Abstract

European economic integration has proceeded at a remarkable pace until now. The interdependence of European economies has increased substantially, while many of the policy responsibilities have been transferred to the European level. A recent and particularly important step has been the replacement of national currencies by the euro. In the process, a European political system has developed, based on broad consensus and large majorities. It is a slow and conservative system, with limited democratic accountability and, essentially, indirect legitimization. As a consequence, the gap between economics and politics has been steadily growing, with serious implications for institutions, the functioning of democracy as well as the distribution of resources. Permissive consensus on which European integration has relied for many years can no longer be taken for granted.