Abstract
European integration is a regionalization process which has built an economic and political community. This association of countries is characterized by a supranational organization which manages the association. As a kind of federation, the European Union representatives play a significant role in creating the laws which govern the member states. The member states have in some respects given up their national authority and transferred some of their political, administrative and economical powers to the European Union. De facto, the European Integration process seems to weaken the autonomy of the European states, since national autonomy is defined as "to be allowed to govern itself by its own laws" (Thucidyde). This high authority appears as a constraint which in effect demotes the ability of these countries to make use of their free will (Descartes' freedom conception). Indeed, they must follow the European directives. Regardless, the European Union contributes to the loss of national autonomy. The governments of these nations are reduced to merely executing European orders, functioning in effect as ?check-in rooms'. John Locke clearly asserts in his Second Treatise of Government, "in all cases, whilst the government subsists, the legislative is the supreme power : for what can give laws to another, must needs be superior to him". But still, is there an area where the nation-states have managed to preserve a sense of control, which surpasses that of the European Union and its institutions? Does the loss of national autonomy just concern the economic areas, or is the European Union's power increasing its hold over the governments of the European member states ? Furthermore, could the European Union's grip on the national policies put into question the democratic nature of the member states ?
