Deutsche Welle has an interesting analysis of how German Federalism reduces German influence in the EU:
While Bavarian representation at the EU in Brussels is mockingly referred to as "Neuschwanstein Castle", the reality of the state's presence there is far less frivolous than the fairytale palace. German states are seeking their say in the Belgian capital, and are consequently running the risk of making the country's federalist constitution look as ridiculous as traditional Bavarian Lederhosen.
Germany, Austria and Belgium are the only three federations in Europe, and the complex decision-making structures of the former are weakening Berlin's weight in Europe.
Hans-Peter Schneider, Director of the Institute for Federal Studies says Germany harms itself. "Germany is often overruled because the government constantly has to confer with its individual states, which means it doesn't have the necessary flexibility for negotiations" he said. As a result, Germany often refrains from voting in Brussels, so often, in fact, that abstaining from a ballot is now simply referred to as the "German vote".
The analysis suggests that Germany could learn from Austria:
In order to harmonize the discord, Schneider says Germany should do as they do in Austria, where the federal states reach agreement on the topic up for vote ahead of a ballot in Brussels.
Makes sense to me.
While Bavarian representation at the EU in Brussels is mockingly referred to as "Neuschwanstein Castle", the reality of the state's presence there is far less frivolous than the fairytale palace. German states are seeking their say in the Belgian capital, and are consequently running the risk of making the country's federalist constitution look as ridiculous as traditional Bavarian Lederhosen.
Germany, Austria and Belgium are the only three federations in Europe, and the complex decision-making structures of the former are weakening Berlin's weight in Europe.
Hans-Peter Schneider, Director of the Institute for Federal Studies says Germany harms itself. "Germany is often overruled because the government constantly has to confer with its individual states, which means it doesn't have the necessary flexibility for negotiations" he said. As a result, Germany often refrains from voting in Brussels, so often, in fact, that abstaining from a ballot is now simply referred to as the "German vote".
The analysis suggests that Germany could learn from Austria:
In order to harmonize the discord, Schneider says Germany should do as they do in Austria, where the federal states reach agreement on the topic up for vote ahead of a ballot in Brussels.
Makes sense to me.
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