ABSTRACT
The history of social phenomena is always of interest when studying a political system, even more so with the European Union (EU), whose institutions, competences and geography are continuously changing and where institutional and national balances have largely been determined by a succession of events and crises. To understand the institutional architecture of the EU and discussions over its reform and future, the chapter reviews the initial motivations for European integration. Even if this approach may seem trivial, it allows people to understand both the EU’s current operational difficulties as well as the problem of its legitimation. The theme of the ‘democratic deficit’ has also contributed to the continued strengthening of European integration. It could be otherwise: according to its definition, the democratic deficit could be resolved by re-nationalizing certain policies, increasing of the powers of the Council, effectively strengthening the role of national parliaments in the functioning of the EU or empowering judicial and control organs.
