Inequality, poor governance and legitimacy deficits in the European Union

This article offers an interdisciplinary perspective on the drivers of political and economic crisis in the European Union. A growing body of literature highlights the detrimental effects of extractive institutions on opportunity, sustainable growth and social cohesion. The article therefore examines the link between income inequality, corruption and perceptions of illegitimacy in the European Union. It conjectures that poor institutional quality and governance are critical drivers of the European Union’s legitimacy deficit. The article concludes that for the European regional project to advance there is a need for greater institutional convergence amongst member states and a renewed commitment to social cohesion.