The case for a stronger European Parliament

The EU urgently needs a stronger and reformed European Parliament (EP). With 60 per cent of all legislation affecting citizens' lives discussed in Brussels, EU decision-making must become more democratic. In this working paper Lousewies van der Laan analyses the current democratic failings of the EU – and sets out a cohesive agenda for reform. The simplest improvements which the authors proposes are those the EP can undertake by itself, without a treaty change. Every day that Parliament neglects to improve its effectiveness and image is a day lost for the EU's legitimacy.