The EU Constitution: The Best Way Forward? [Hardcover]

Since the French and Dutch voters rejected the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, in May and June 2005 respectively, politicians and lawyers have been confronted with the question of how to move forward. This book strives to formulate answers on the question of what to do if not all the Member States ratify the Treaty. It brings together contributions from over 50 experts from the 25 Member States, from candidate, potential candidate and neighbouring countries, as well as from Russia and the US. Key topics covered are: the process and impact of EU constitution-making; the democratic life of the EU; improving the efficiency and quality of legislation in the EU; the expansion of executive, judicial and legislative powers; and access to justice.Since the French and Dutch voters rejected the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, in May and June 2005 respectively, politicians and lawyers have been confronted with the question of how to move forward. This book strives to formulate answers on the question of what to do if not all the Member States ratify the Treaty. It brings together contributions from over 50 experts from the 25 Member States, from candidate, potential candidate and neighbouring countries, as well as from Russia and the US. Key topics covered are: the process and impact of EU constitution-making; the democratic life of the EU; improving the efficiency and quality of legislation in the EU; the expansion of executive, judicial and legislative powers; and access to justice.The Process and Impact of EU Constitution-making: Voice and Exit.- On the Power of the Word: Europes Constitutional Iconography.- The Process of Ratification and the Crisis Options: A Legal Perspective.- Referendums on the Constitutional Treaty 2004: A Citizens Voice?.- Flexibility and the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe.- The Process and Impact of EU Constitution-Making: Voice and Exit.- The Constitutional Treaty and the Nature of European Constitutlc