The European Constitution of the Netherlands. Reflections on Interdependent Statehood
In: Acta politica: AP ; international journal of political science ; official journal of the Dutch Political Science Association (Nederlandse Kring voor Wetenschap der Politiek), Band 33, Heft 3, S. 281-299
ISSN: 0001-6810
The emerging constitutional structure of the European Union does not show a hierarchical relation with the constitutions of the member states, but rather, a network relation including hierarchical & cooperative elements. Even if they are aware of the unprecedented character of European unification, many constitutionalists & politicians still perceive this as a problem of European law & nothing more. In their constitutional thinking, the European nations must be defended against loss of democratic control, sovereignty, & national identity. They dwell on the illusion that national institutions are as able, or more so, & more reliable than foreign or European institutions in serving the public good. This approach is viewed here as dangerous, not only because it can foster nationalistic views & intolerance, but, above all, because it is based on an illusion that will end in frustration & possibly fatal retardation in developing shared political values. 37 References. Adapted from the source document.