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This thematic issue examines two main research questions: What are the features, the determinants, and the implications of fiscal integration in a system of multilevel governance like the EU? And, what can the post-pandemic EU learn from established federations when it comes to fiscal integration? We attempt to conceptualize the patterns of EU fiscal integration. In so doing, we identify eight instruments of fiscal integration in a federal or multilevel polity, equally divided between fiscal capacity and fiscal regulation, depending on the side of the budget and the mode of integration (autonomous or dependent). For instance, as part of the fiscal capacity instrument of integration, we propose to distinguish between revenue and expenditure capacity. Revenue capacity is then further divided into tax capacity, based on EU/federal taxes, and budgetary capacity, based on non-independent sources, for instance, contributions from the member states. Expenditure capacity is divided into autonomous spending capacity, meaning direct spending by the EU, and a dependent transfer capacity, where the EU merely distributes resources (both grants and loans) to the member states.

The 2010s multiple crises brought to the surface of European politics a division on the very rationale of the integration project. The latter has been challenged by nationalistic parties and governments under the banner of sovereignism. In fact, the dramatic consequences of secession (from the EU) even for a country such as the United Kingdom have led to an interpretation of nationalism as sovereignism within the EU rather than secession from the EU. To weaken the sovereignist challenge, it is necessary to free the EU from the tyranny of 'one size fits all', acknowledging the difference between the countries that need or want to move towards an 'evercloser union' and those which wish to participate only in a single market. This acknowledgement should lead to negotiations, between national and community leaders, for institutionalizing, within the single market, a distinct federal union (around the Eurozone member states), governing traditional core state power policies through a separation of power system. This would amount to a necessary differentiation for undermining the sovereignist challenge. The single market and the federal union should have different legal settings, although the member states of the latter would participate in the functioning of the former, according to rules that would prevent them acting en bloc. Decoupling is a condition for bringing federalism back again to the European integration project, although the federal model which should serve this purpose needs to be based on the experience of federations formed by aggregation and not disaggregation. ; peer-reviewed

Analyzes the expansion of freedom of information laws in various countries, & assesses their effectiveness in government accountability to its citizenry. Increased access to public documents results in enhanced possibilities for citizens; however, the right to obtain government information is limited by privacy rights & state interests. The information laws across countries -- including the US, France, & Italy -- reveal changes in the relationship between citizens & governments. Information laws are considered important for government accountability, & their capacity for enhanced citizen participation is contemplated. 11 Tables, 3 Figures. L. Collins Leigh

This symposium features three critiques of Gabriel Almonds argument—by Eric A. Nordlinger of Brown University, Theodore J. Lowi of Cornell University, and Sergio Fabbrini of the University of Trento.

This focus article discusses the recent book by Robert D. Putnam and D.E. Campbell, which has recently won the 2011 Woodrow Wilson Award of the American Political Science Association. Framing this piece of research in the context of the extremely rich and influential work developed by Robert D. Putnam for about fifty years, Sergio Fabbrini illustrates the main findings of American Grace with reference to the recent developments and the assets of the US democracy. Luca Ozzano draws attention to the consequences determined by the relationship between religion and political participation on the foreign policy developments and, more generally, on the complex world of international relations. The third review, by Giuliano Amato, develops a broader reflection on the effect of religions on the current difficulties of our democracies, in America and in Europe, focusing on the notion of post-secular society. Finally, a quick but dense response by Robert D. Putnam highlights the main points from these threefold review, individuating some new possible questions and puzzles for future researches. Adapted from the source document.

EU Federalism and Constitutionalism: The Legacy of Altiero Spinelli is the first book-length study devoted not only to how Spinelli's advocacy for a federal Europe shaped European integration but also how Spinelli's ideas are essential to understanding the EU constitutional system today. The volume integrates perspectives from law, history, and political science to offer a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the history, evolution, and future of federal principles and institutions in the European integration process.