Problems of accountability in the European Union

Abstract

Summary: This chapter explores the concept of accountability as it operates in the European Union, weighing the importance of political accountability against managerial and audit accountability. The existing machinery for accountability is evaluated and political “accountability gap” identified. The vertical transfer of functions to the institutions of a transnational system of governance which, it is argued, are not designed for purposes of accountability, is seen as weakening national accountability systems. A horizontal transfer of powers from the institutions of representative democracy to an autonomous and unrepresentative judiciary is also identified. The current Convention on the Constitution and the White Paper on European Governance are considered. The author concludes that accountability is currently weak in the EU and that change needs to start at the lowest level: within the EU institutions and in national parliaments.