Bulletin n. 1/2009
July 2009
CONTENTS
  • Section A) The theory and practise of the federal states and multi-level systems of government
  • Section B) Global governance and international organizations
  • Section C) Regional integration processes
  • Section D) Federalism as a political idea
    • Vedovato Giuseppe
    I due polmoni dell'Europa
    in Rivista di Studi Politici Internazionali , Volume 75, n. 4, ottobre-dicembre ,  2008 ,  491-497
    The Council of Europe and the European Union represent the two principal organs of power in Europe. The two European organizations not only differ constitutionally and structurally, they also possess widely differing financial powers. The inter-constitutional dialogue between them occurs both through liaison and the complementary nature of a common goal to reinforce the unity of a Europe that is both multi-faceted and credible. Whatever happens to the Treaty of Lisbon, one can be sure that the Union will now have to debate how to go about ratifying the institutional reforms necessary for its continuing operation. With respect to previous negotiations, several positive elements can be perceived. Nevertheless, despite undeniable progress, certain limits and indeed some deficencies have emerged. On the common ground created between the inter-governmental method and the community method the so called «democratic deficit» subsists: participant democracy no longer sits at the same level as representative democracy. The French have suggested the creation of a European Senate, the nucleus of which would be formed out of the parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Although the Treaty of Lisbon embraces the Charter of fundamental rights with all its constraints for the member States, its precise role is uncertain. Doubts emerge for the jurisdictional guarantees of these fundamental rights on a European scale because of the coexistence of European judicial organs with competences that are conflicting and sometimes difficult to justify. Besides, the scant approach to culture is debatable.
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