Europe Reset

'An original and provocative contribution to the continuing debate about the future of Europe. The EU at the time of writing seems to be recovering from the succession of problems created by the financial crisis and its impact on the euro. As Richard Youngs stresses, much more is needed. Output democracy is not enough - reform must be driven by citizenship engagement and activism, and on a wide scale.' - Anthony Giddens, `While their governments struggle with multiple crises, European citizens feel they run into the wall of Brussels consensus. In this stimulating book, Richard Youngs rightly diagnoses the need to reconnect democratic civic energies with innovative policy-making - for a continent that is ready for a new politics.' - Luuk van Middelaar, author of The Passage to Europe, `In a bold attempt to jumpstart new thinking on the future of the EU, Richard Youngs is not afraid to challenge conventions. He rightly encourages leaders to base Europe's future course on European citizens' own compasses. Let us hope his book leads to more creative solutions to the EU's democracy challenge.' - Marietje Schaake, MEP, `The European Union has muddled through many crises in recent years. If it is to survive in the age of populism, and indeed to thrive, it must urgently rethink its purpose and methods. EU leaders would do well to read Richard Youngs's book. He is surely right in arguing that the EU needs much more flexibility in what it does, and much greater democratic legitimacy for it.' - Anton La Guardia, Deputy Foreign Editor at The Economist and co-author of Unhappy Union