European democracy in the eyes of students

European Union (EU) policies represent the largest share of adopted legislation in member states. Whit growing EU competences in several policy fields, impact of EU on everyday life is growing. But although citizens can come across EU regulations, rules, or funded projects and infrastructures, EU remains distant from citizens especially in countries that are further away geographically. This can be evident through low voters’ turnout at elections to the European Parliament as well as through absent common European identity, which creates a certain gap between the EU policymaking and European citizens, causes additional doubt among citizens about the quality of democracy at the EU level. On the other hand, the EU strives for a positive image in the eyes of the citizens to retain support for its existence and increase legitimacy for its policies. After all, European community is voluntary project of participating countries that may decide to opt out thus positive EU image creates legitimacy for EU existence.