The democratic legitimacy of European economic governance change in the role of parliament

The Treaty of Lisbon is often referred to as “the treaty of the parliaments”. But the Economic and Monetary Union reforms implemented in response to the financial and sovereign debt crises have further diminished the role of the European and national parliaments in the legislative process. In return, however, the parliaments have been given greater powers in the area of accountability. Strengthening the democratic principle within EMU requires a greater degree of involvement by the parliaments. This means avoiding the use of intergovernmental agreements, organising a “euro area. committee within the European Parliament and holding an annual socio-economic convention to establish the broad guidelines of EMU policies.