Elections and Referendums

European integration has long been criticized for its weak democratic qualities. The treaties have too often been negotiated behind closed doors, argue the critics, and member states have had to surrender sovereignty with too little reference to the views of European voters. This has undermined enthusiasm for the European project, which has often seemed elitist and too far distant from the needs and interests of ordinary Europeans. Yet there are two key channels through which they can directly influence EU policy.