Partidos y sistema de partidos a escala europea: de la frustración a la esperanza

The political, social, economic and financial crisis that hit the continent has highlighted the urgent need to create a true European democracy. Following the increase, with the Treaty of Lisbon, of the position and powers of the European Parliament, also political parties, despite the limitations resulting from the lack of adequate European legislation of their legal and financial status, have gained prominence so far misunderstood, becoming aware of their importance in conveying the concerns and demands of citizens. They have so embedded in their programs specific proposals for political action at the European level. Indeed, the gradual formation of a genuine European party system is closely linked to the evolution of the democratic process of political integration within the Union, since only transnational parties that operate in the European public arena will be able to make their own and represent the needs of a pluralist and complex civil society that requires a true democratic government of the Union. Therefore, it seems nowadays all the more necessary that the action of mediation between citizens and the European institutions to which European political parties are called will result in legally binding decisions. Only then, the world’s first project of post-national democracy will become consistent and be perceived as legitimate and trustworthy by European citizens.

Ramírez José Mª Porras, Partidos y sistema de partidos a escala europea: de la frustración a la esperanza in "CITTADINANZA EUROPEA (LA)" 2/2014, pp 5-25, DOI: 10.3280/CEU2014-002001