Perspectives of federalization of European Union: Comparative Federalism towards federal Europe

Mgr. Nemanja Todorović, BBA

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The European Union is often described as „emerging federation“, but small amount of scientist compare European Union with some other European federal model. The objective of this master’s thesis is to survey the applicability of federal theory and practice in the case of the European Union. The master’s thesis will examine the implications both of the federal concept and of comparative experience of federal political systems - Federal Republic of Germany and the Swiss Confederation. This master’s thesis will try to answer several important questions dealing comparative approach to European Union structure. The most important question will give us answer on defining European Union as federation. This master’s thesis contributes to the comparative approach of European Union and stress importance of using solutions which already exist in the European continent for finding better solution for more democratic governance of the European Union. Legitimacy problems of the European Union cannot be addressed without taking in account all lessons learned from other two European federal models.

Abstract:

The European Union is often described as „emerging federation“, but small amount of scientist compare European Union with some other European federal model. The objective of this master’s thesis is to survey the applicability of federal theory and practice in the case of the European Union. The master’s thesis will examine the implications both of the federal concept and of comparative experience of federal political systems - Federal Republic of Germany and the Swiss Confederation. This master’s thesis will try to answer several important questions dealing comparative approach to European Union structure. The most important question will give us answer on defining European Union as federation. This master’s thesis contributes to the comparative approach of European Union and stress importance of using solutions which already exist in the European continent for finding better solution for more democratic governance of the European Union. Legitimacy problems of the European Union cannot be addressed without taking in account all lessons learned from other two European federal models.

Keywords

federalism, federation, Germany, Switzerland, European Union, comparative study

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 16. 12. 2014

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 15. 1. 2015
• Supervisor: prof. PhDr. Vít Hloušek, Ph.D.
• Reader: PhDr. Zdeněk Sychra, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Master programme / field:
Political Science / European Politics (Eng.)