Suchergebnisse

The framework for German relations to central eastern Europe have changed substantially in the last 15 years. Although the reorientation & transformation of these states was conducted without specifically formed concepts on the part of the EU, their transformation & democratization processes have always been supported by Germany & they are now EU members. This has brought more distant nations, where these potentially destabilizing processes are still ongoing, closer. But democracy can best be fostered if as Franzke suggests, German support is offered in cooperation with other EU members, as with the more strategic & long term policy characterized as the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP). The areas in which the ENP is engaged are politically important areas that have great impact on domestic policies & where Germany can play a role. Yet the evaluation of democratization processes by different measures by the EU & Germany endangers rather than helps these processes. Cooperation among the EU states so that different conceptions flow together & minimize danger could lead to greater dependability & continuity. L. Reed

The Lisbon Treaty envisages the introduction of a European citizens' initiative. Implementation of this instrument took some time, as concrete regulations needed to be set and adopted by EU institutions and member states. The article outlines the concrete arrangement of the European Citizens' Initiative and discusses its potentials and limits. It might contribute to strengthen European public, and especially Europe as a location of discourse, reduce the EU's democratic deficit and allow more actors to access European politics. The relationship of citizens to the EU may also be strengthened. But a success of the European citizens' initiative depends largely on how EU institutions deal with concrete initiatives. Initial initiatives document a significant interest in this form of participation, as well as technical and practical difficulties. Adapted from the source document