Direct Elections to the European Parliament: Toward a Federal Future?

Abstract

Lodge, J. Direct Elections to the European Parliament: Toward a Federal Future? Cooperation and Conflict, XIII, 1978, 215-230.

The direct election of the European Parliament is controversial for a variety of reasons. In particular it is expected to stimulate a change in the exercise of political authority in the EC to the advantage of the Commission and European Parliament. Following a discussion of the origins, nature and key elements of direct elections, the controversy over their implications for national governments is analysed. Zero sum assumptions are rejected, and two institutional models for the future EC examined. The static model represents minimalist approaches, whereas the dynamic model presages insti tutional developments along federal lines.