Discourse and Order in the EU. A Deliberative Approach to Multi-Level Governance

Abstract

The article argues for an understanding of the EU as a discourse-based multilevel governance structure. It conceptualises the EU as a heterarchical polity that includes the domestic, governmental and supranational levels. Heterarchical structures, however, can only be expected to perform efficiently, effectively and lead to high quality output if their mode of interaction is based on deliberation. Important institutional features of the EU can be interpreted as the means to create the necessary institutional preconditions for deliberation. Heisenberg Fellow of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft Centre for Transatlantic Foreign and Security Politics Free University Berlin Ihnestr. 22 14195 Berlin Tel.: [phone] Fax.: [phone] Mail: [e-mail]