This is pretty problematic for the EU as an institution. It is actively undermining its already questionable legitimacy. The powers that be largely aren't democratically elected, and there really aren't any mechanisms with which European citizens can hold them accountable for their actions.

Every time they pull a stunt like this, this becomes a little bit more clear. If the EU wants to avoid the spread of euroskeptic populist parties, they should be working to patch the system and be building legitimacy and credibility, rather than be seen working to undermine it.

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petre 5 days ago | parent | next [-]

Perhaps we should start throwing politicians in the garbage bin like the Ukrainians used to? Maybe then they'll get a hint?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8q-Zx8gIbg

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NicuCalcea 5 days ago | parent | prev [-]

Chat Control is an initiative of the Council of the European Union, which is made up of ministers from each member state. Citizens can hold them accountable the same way they hold their ministers accountable normally.

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marginalia_nu 5 days ago | parent | next [-]

This is correct, but in practice, this accountability is so diluted that they're free to do whatever they want as far as public accountability is concerned up to the point what they do is so unpopular that a majority of voters across the union decide that replacing the council is more important than selecting their national parliament.

Then there's the commission, which is even less accountable to the voters.

	▲	timeon 5 days ago \| parent [-]
		Commission is also nominated by national governments (like ministers are in those governments). So in the end it is still about people holding accountable ruling parties in member countries.

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SiempreViernes 5 days ago | parent | prev [-]

Not really, chat control comes from the comission, the current news is about the councils struggle to formally reach a position on that proposal.

	▲	rsynnott 5 days ago \| parent \| next [-]
		The commission are also nominated by national governments; they’re essentially a weird type of minister. Now, I think there is a problem here; in many countries the public can barely bring themselves to care about the European Parliament elections, nevermind who their government nominates as commissioner. But ultimately it is as much in the public’s hands as a ministerial appointment.
	▲	NicuCalcea 5 days ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		Ah, you're right, thanks for the correction.