Next Left [antikvár]

Renewing Social DemocracyNEXT lEFTLESSONS FROM THE PAST, CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTUREThe Treaty of Maastricht of 1992 marks the historical moment for the European Union and social democracy. A Community based on economic principles transformed itself into a politically and socially aware European Union. Reflecting it, the leading political laniilies established formally their European parties. Within the following two decades the\' ha\'e grown, aspiring to be the clearly and loudly heard voice oi'the European Union citizens.Today we ai e all proud of what the Party of European Socialists (PES) became, with the (act that they unite diverse member parties for one symbolic and meaningful Manifesto. Furthermoi'e, it is exciting to see the new opportunities created by the parties themselves to enhance the participation of grass roots members through tools such as PES activists. Since 2007 the European Parliament has given to the European parties an instrument of reflection and thinking in aHowing them to establish European political foundations.Despite these, how hopeful, conclusions, we cannot help but wonder - why is it then so that the same period is in fact the age of a democratic crisis in the EU? To name some examples, one needs to return to the issue of institutional reibini - which since the Treaty of Amsterdam is a tragic record of setbacks and disappointments, cro\vned b\' the failui e of the Treat)' establishing a Constitution for Europe. Tlie general gridlock is even moie cleai ly visible by the record ol the decisions taken on the EU le\'el, especially b\' the Council. Tlie pai adox is here that the more dcmi>cratic the process is, the fewer obstacles are there and the more issues can be decided by Qualified Majorit)' Vote instead of unanimity, the less conclusive outcomes there are. Ma\be this is also why the European Union provokes citizens' resentment.The turnout in the European elections is (ailing from one to another vote, having established itself on the level of 43% - which is by 20% less than what was noted 30 \'ears ago by the first direct European elections. Tlie outcome of the elections additionally provides more and more place for right wing, anti-democratic forces in the European Parliament. I laving that in mind, it is arguable to state that the current crisis of .social democracy must be analyzed in a broader context of a crisis of democracy as such.