The political development of the European Union has now reached the point where governments and citizens of Europe are confronted with constitutional choices that raise issues of fundamental political principle. The EU's continuing democratic deficit, decisions about political organisation within Europe and the associated structures of political representation are all the subject of intense political debate and analysis. The contributors to Political Theory and the European Union examine the issues of constitutional choice that face the government and citizens of today's Europe. They ask central questions such as: what constitutional principles are appropriate for protecting rights in Europe?; should there be a constitutionally entrenched European bill of rights on the model of the USA?; and what rights are due to the citizens of the Union? In order to answer these key questions the chapters are divided into three sections which include: questions of political legitimacy and the meaning of the democratic deficit; the reality of what institutional reforms and decision-making processes are possible; and the rights of citizenship and values that should be protected.

The study highlights the complexities and difficulties in constructing a European constitutional blueprint. It will be essential reading for those studying European politics and society. Michael Nentwich; Albert Weale; David Beetham; Christopher Lord; Andreas Follesdal; Albert Weale; Sverker Gustavsson; Michael J. Tsiniszelis;