Their Members' Voice: Civil Society Organisations in the European Union

Rodekamp, Meike

The role of civil society organisations in Brussels is debated. Some view them as representatives of their members and thus as legitimising agents for policy-making in the European Union. Others see them as being elitist and out of touch with their membership bases, therefore ill-suited to promote democracy at the EU level. Taking civil society organisations in the EU’s external relations as an example, Meike Rodekamp submits these controversial views to a reality check. Interviews with representatives of civil society organisations in Brussels and their member organisations in the EU show that the Brussels offices have not lost contact with their members. However, member organisations differ substantially in their participation in internal decision-making processes, which raises doubts about the legitimacy gains through civil society participation in EU policy-making.

Details

Published by: Springer VS

Publication Date: 2013-06-27

Format: Paperback

ISBN-13: 9783658022129

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-658-02213-6

Dimensions: 210cm x148cm

Pages: 290