The old explanation for Euroscepticism was the alleged existence of a democratic deficit within the EU. Decisions, critics said, were taken by unaccountable institutions rather than elected national governments. But the current crisis is born not of a clash between Brussels and the member states but a clash between the democratic wills of citizens in northern and southern Europe, the so-called centre and periphery. And both sides are now using the EU institutions to advance their interests.

Should countries which are ready to intensify the development of a common European policy in certain areas do so without having to wait for others or should they wait until all member states of the EU are ready ?

While there are plenty of good public policy advocates at EU and member state level, the public policy advocacy profession in most countries has not developed its own mechanisms for indentifying them and providing professional recognition. In well-established professions, one of the main leadership functions is to build a framework for continuing learning from entry to the profession to advanced levels of standards, and systems for providing certification for members who reach those standards.

Professional Certification

Priority area 4: Sustainable and inclusive development and growth and continental integration

Strategic objectives: Stimulate economic growth that reduces poverty, create decent jobs and mobilise the entrepreneurial potential of people, in particular the youth and women, in a sustainable manner; support development of private sector and SMEs; support the continental integration process, notably through accelerated infrastructure development, energy, industrialization and investment.