Legislative Reform in the EU – The Role of Drafting in Legislative Quality

Abstract

In its efforts to balance economic prosperity and competitiveness with social justice and prosperity for EU citizens, the EU must turn to its legislation as an opportunity for direct communication with its citizens. Legislative reform, without Treaty reform but via a technocratic swift to a user-friendly drafting style for EU Acts, can enhance trust and loyalty to the EU and promote sustainable integration. Twenty-two recommendation for reform following Thornton's five stages of drafting and using the DECIDE process can achieve legislative quality, support democracy and the rule of law within the EU, and enhance the relationship between the organisation and its peoples.

Keywords: EU legislative reform, legislative quality, reform, EU

JEL Classification: K00, K19, K20