Issue: № 5, 2025
Doi: https://doi.org/10.37634/efp.2025.5.14
Introduction. Although the term "democracy deficit" emerged long before the establishment of the European Union (EU), it is now firmly associated with this institution. In academic circles, it is widely accepted that the issue has existed since the very formation of the EU and has intensified due to declining public trust in its institutions. Despite numerous studies on the subject, there is still no unified approach to defining this phenomenon. Therefore, a systematic analysis of the manifestations of the democratic deficit and its impact on the functioning of the EU remains highly relevant. The purpose of the paper is to develop the most appropriate understanding of the category "democracy deficit" based on the systematization of existing scholarly approaches to its definition. Results. The problem of the democratic deficit in the EU has existed since its inception, reflected in the limited powers of the European Parliament and the institutional detachment from citizens. Current research highlights institutional, sociocultural, and psychological approaches to understanding this phenomenon. Scholars emphasize that the problem does not imply a complete lack of democracy but rather its imperfection at the supranational level. The 2007 Lisbon Treaty was a step toward addressing the deficit by strengthening parliamentary roles and introducing the citizens’ initiative. However, these reforms have limitations, and the Treaty alone did not fully resolve the issue. Conclusion. Efforts to reform EU institutions and enhance citizen participation indicate an awareness of the democratic deficit as a threat to legitimacy and integration. In academic literature, this phenomenon is viewed as multifaceted and dynamic, tied to the transformation of democracy principles beyond the nation-state. Overcoming the democratic deficit depends on adopting a suitable conceptual approach and strengthening institutional legitimacy. One promising solution is the development of deliberative democracy through active citizen engagement in decision-making processes.
Keywords : democracy deficit, democracy, European Union, democratic values, Lisbon Treaty
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