Discourse and order in the EU: A deliberative approach to multi-level governance

The article argues for an understanding of the EU as a discourse-based multi-level governance structure. It conceptualizes the EU as a heterarchical polity that includes the domestic, governmental and supranational levels. Heterarchical structures, however, can only be expected to perform efficiently, effectively and lead to high quality output if their mode of interaction is based on deliberation. Important institutional features of the EU can be interpreted as the means to create the necessary institutional preconditions for deliberation.