Is EU Intervention in Italy Evidence of a Changing Supranational Landscape?
The recent intervention by EU administrators to address Italy's budgetary breaches has sparked much debate, particularly among those unfamiliar with the workings of the European Union (EU). Critics have accused the EU of imposing its will on Italy, suggesting that the administration overseeing this intervention is 'unelected.' However, this view is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the democratic structures that underpin the EU.
The Myth of Un-elected EU Administrators
It is altogether false to suggest that the EU administrators, often referred to as 'unelected,' do not represent the democratic will of the European people. The process through which EU officials are appointed is, in fact, much more democratic than those in many countries. Let's break down the democratic mechanisms in place within the EU:
Democratic Elections for European Parliament Members
Every citizen of the European Union has the opportunity to elect Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in Europe-wide elections. Unlike many nations, the EU uses a proportional representation system. This means that MEPs are elected in a way that accurately reflects the will of the entire European populace. In many countries, the elected party's existing leader becomes the Prime Minister or President, making the system less democratic. In the EU, citizens directly elect the representatives who will shape policy.
A Transparent Selection Process for EU Commissioners
The president of the European Commission prepares a list of candidate commissioners, which is then voted on by the European Parliament. This process ensures that each commissioner is democratically elected. In contrast, in many countries, the cabinet is appointed internally by the winning party and may not require parliamentary approval. In the UK, for instance, the winning party’s leader often becomes the Prime Minister, even if they have not run for office.
Similarly, in the United States, the president can appoint cabinet members without needing Senate approval, though some appointments do require confirmation by the Senate. This is far removed from the democratic process that characterizes the EU.
The Rule of Membership and the Italian Case
The criticism that EU administrators are 'unelected' often fails to acknowledge that Italy had a proper representative in the European Parliament and among its ministers. When you join a club or organization, you agree to its rules and terms of membership. The same principle applies to the EU. Joining the EU and benefiting from its policies means adhering to the EU's agreed terms, including budgetary conditions.
Italy's budgetary issues directly impact its membership in the EU. The balanced budget condition is a fundamental requirement for EU membership. Failure to meet this requirement means forgoing the substantial benefits of EU membership, which could include financial aid, trade advantages, and other support.
Centrist and right-wing governments often balance budgets by cutting social security, healthcare, and education, and reducing public spending. While these measures may benefit the rich and corporations, they burden the majority of the population. The solution lies in electing left-wing, pro-people governments that fight for the well-being of citizens, rather than prioritizing budgetary balance at the expense of social welfare.
Conclusion
The EU's intervention in Italy's budgetary affairs is not an overreach but a requirement of membership in a cooperative organization. The democratic processes governing the EU ensure that its decisions reflect the will of the European people. Understanding these processes is essential to appreciating the functioning of the EU and avoiding misinformed criticisms.
In summary, the criticism of an 'unelected' EU administration is misguided. The democratic processes in place within the EU ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of its citizens, and the rules governing membership in the EU are essential for maintaining the integrity of this supranational institution.