Democracy and Rule of Law Transformations in the European Union

Democracy and the rule of law in the European Union are facing challenges such as backsliding and low voter turnout. This article discusses tools the EU can use to address these crises, ways to strengthen the link between the European Parliament and its citizens, factors affecting voter turnout in European elections, and the importance of discussing EU-related issues. It also suggests strategies to improve democratic participation and citizen perceptions by focusing on European issues and providing training on EU politics.

• European Union
• Democracy
• Rule of Law
• Voter Turnout
• EU Elections

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1. Fundamental Principles under Pressure? Democracy and Rule of Law Transformations in the European Union Democracy and Rule of Law Transformations in the European Union Prof. Dr. Jan Wouters (KU Leuven) Project Coordinator of RECONNECT

2. Democracy and the Rule of Law are undergoing profound changes in the EU Rule of law: Backsliding is a reality in several EU Member States Which tools can the EU use to address this crisis? Democracy: Low voter turnout, low interests in EU issues How to strengthen the link between the European Parliament and its citizens?

3. Democratic participation What affects voter turnout in European elections? Turnout in national elections Temporal proximity between EP and national elections Timing of elections (weekday v. weekend) Number of effective political parties

4. Democratic participation What can you do? Avoid voters fatigue: no elections or referendums close to EP elections Increase efficiency: hold several elections on the same day Opt for the weekend: organize elections on Sat/Sun

5. Citizens perceptions How important were EU issues for the European elections? RECONNECT surveys show: EP elections discussed with limited focus on European polity and policy aspects Sizeable group of EU citizens did not discuss EU-related issues at all

6. Which issue among the following did you discuss the most in the past month? Percentage of respondents mentioning The Euro or European Integration as discussion topics

7. 20-50% of EU citizens did not discuss EU politics at all before/after elections

8. Citizens perceptions What can you do? National, regional and local campaigns need to place greater emphasis on European issues EU citizens need to have a better understanding of the competences of the EU: What is at stake in an EU election? Provide basic training on EU politics

9. More information: RECONNECT Policy brief https://www.reconnect- europe.eu/