Problems in Search of a Solution, Solutions in Search of Legitimacy

Abstract

This final chapter examines several options for dealing with the current crisis, preferring to evaluate key choices and opportunities rather than focusing on a preferred path. To date, responses have focused inordinately on austerity and fiscal compacts without proper regard for the economic, social and political consequences of this policy choice. National and European Union (EU) decision-makers have made choices that have penalised citizens in some member states. These citizens have borne considerable pain to safeguard an imperfect economic and monetary system to the detriment of social justice and legitimacy in the EU. We conclude that to secure its legitimacy, the EU must work towards buttressing both its output and input legitimacy. This may involve a return to foundational values as the basis of EU policies to deliver effective outcomes that achieve prosperity and security for all. It may also involve the implementation of a plan to promote citizen participation in EU debates and decision-making.