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EU citizens demand the protection of democracy – how far does patience go?
The Cluster of Excellence "The Politics of Inequality" at the University of Konstanz investigates EU citizens' expectations of democracy in the EU.
EU citizens demand the protection of democracy – how far does patience go?
The challenges for democracy in the European Union are more urgent than ever. In member states such as Hungary and Poland, press freedom is often curtailed while judicial independence is threatened. This problem, known as “democratic backsliding,” describes the gradual erosion of democratic systems in these countries. The EU, as a community of democratic states, is facing a serious crisis that cannot be ignored. This is reported by the University of Konstanz and emphasizes the need for firm rules of the game to protect democracy, especially in view of the increasing tensions within the Union.
A current study by the Cluster of Excellence “The Politics of Inequality” at the University of Konstanz examines the expectations of EU citizens regarding the community’s reaction to this phenomenon. The results, published in the Journal of European Public Policy, show that an overwhelming majority of EU citizens demand measures to protect democracy. Surveys from Germany, Italy, Poland and Sweden support this finding and illustrate the desire for an effective action plan.
Results of the study
Political scientist Max Heermann, who was the first author of the study and currently works at ETH Zurich, emphasizes that a majority of citizens are prepared to sanction member states that violate democratic or constitutional principles. It is emphasized that this willingness does not result from malice, but from the insight that the community can only function if all countries adhere to the agreed rules. Dirk Leuffen, another co-author, adds that the application of behavioral economics findings to intergovernmental relations within the EU is an exciting field of research.
Sharon Baute, junior professor at the University of Konstanz, points out that citizens are less solidarity with member states that violate the rules of the game. This is a key finding of the study, highlighting the urgency for the EU to implement stronger measures to protect democracy. The high level of support for sanctions should motivate the EU to consistently enforce them.
Demographic fears and threats
Some of these problems will be addressed in a separate own-initiative report, the debate of which is scheduled for February 28th and the vote on February 29th. This makes it clear that the European Parliament is actively seeking solutions to counteract the threats to democracy. This is essential to ensure the integrity of the EU as a union of constitutional states, while at the same time the public in the affected countries must be made aware of these issues.
The ongoing challenges and the desire for action to defend democracy require urgent action from the European institutions. The task is clear: in order to regain the trust of citizens, the EU must actively ensure compliance with the democratic rules of the game.