ЛААКЕНСКАЯ ДЕКЛАРАЦИЯ БУДУЩЕЕ ЕВРОПЕЙСКОГО СОЮЗА (ДЕКЛАРАЦИЯ ЛААКЕНА). Декларация. Европейский Союз. 15.12.01

The democratic challenge facing Europe

     At the same time, the Union faces twin challenges, one within and
the   other  beyond  its  borders.  Within  the  Union,  the  European
institutions   must  be  brought  closer  to  its  citizens.  Citizens
undoubtedly support the Union`s broad aims, but they do not always see
a connection between those goals and the Union`s everyday action. They
want  the  European  institutions  to  be less unwieldy and rigid and,
above  all,  more  efficient  and  open. Many also feel that the Union
should  involve itself more with their particular concerns, instead of
intervening,  in  every detail, in matters by their nature better left
to  Member  States` and regions` elected representatives. This is even
perceived  by  some  as  a threat to their identity. More importantly,
however, they feel that deals are all too often cut out of their sight
and they want better democratic scrutiny.