The Current Challenges of Active Political Participation of EU Citizens

Abstract

The author deals with various changes regarding the implementation of the Treaty of Lisbon which have a significant impact on the status of citizen in the process of active political participation within the EU. He analyzes the current situation, identifies weaknesses associated mainly with the issue of the democratic deficit in the Union's institutional system and finally formulates possible suggestions and recommendations. His research relies on sociological polls and electoral data. Substantial part of the article is devoted to the new implemented tool which enables political participation of the EU citizens - the European Citizens' Initiative, as well as to evaluation of its implementation in practice.

Keywords: European Citizens’ Initiative, Legitimacy, Treaty of Lisbon