Governance in the era of globalization: the European paradigm

No abstractThe theoretical proposition of governance as an alternative form of organization for social systems past bureaucratic hierarchy and business flexibility was not followed, until now, by a corresponding variety of applications. The article considers the relevant proposition of the European Union as an important contribution to the ongoing discussion. In this context, governance is conceived as a set of rules, procedures and behaviors conducive to the strengthening of transparency, participation, accountability, effectiveness and cohesion of common policies, with the ulterior aim to diminish the European democratic deficit. Measures to be implemented towards this end are the timely electronic flow of information at all stages of policy development, a more systematic dialogue with regional and local government representatives, as well as civil society, and a greater flexibility in the application of common European legislation. Accomplishing all of the above requires the reformation of European Union structures, the reinforcement of networking between business, communities and research centers and the corresponding empowerment of nongovernmental organizations. The criticism to the European Commission regarding its suggestions on governance focuses on the absence of democratic legitimization and the technocratic nature of the defined measures. The article claims that this criticism lessens the breadth of governance and that the propositions of the Commission aim to the right direction, combining the institutional guarantees with effectiveness, efficiency and economic rationality in the policy-making process. The proposed by the Commission outline, although far from being an operable policy manual, comprises the basic elements of a realistic proposition for a more democratic and, at the same time, effective European governance