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For the institutions of the European Union are at present…

“For the institutions of the European Union are at present incomplete. A European Senate is badly needed to complete them. By creating an upper chamber in the European parliament, a new bridge could be built between national political classes, which retain democratic legitimacy, and the…” quote by Larry Siedentop
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“For the institutions of the European Union are at present incomplete. A European Senate is badly needed to complete them. By creating an upper chamber in the European parliament, a new bridge could be built between national political classes, which retain democratic legitimacy, and the decision-making process in Brussels. Such a Senate should be recruited by indirect election from exisiting national parliaments.”

Larry Siedentop

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A European Senate, elected indirectly from national parliaments, could bridge national legitimacy with EU decision‑making, completing the Union’s institutions.

In simple terms: A second chamber could link national politics with EU governance.

Key Takeaway

Support an elected EU Senate.

Themes

European integration democracy institutional design legislative reform political legitimacy

Mood

analytical policy‑oriented critical

Type

political institutional

When to use this quote

  • national parliaments
  • EU policy debates
  • public consultations
  • academic conferences

Key Concepts

federalism indirect election checks and balances

Questions to Reflect On

  • Would an EU Senate truly enhance democratic legitimacy?
  • How might it affect existing power dynamics?
A Different Perspective

Creating another layer may complicate decision‑making and increase bureaucracy.

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