Democracy and Rule of Law in Europe: Revisiting the role of corporate actors
As a fellow at re:constitution program, Taygeti will examine the complex and often marginalised issue of corporate influence on democracy and rule of law, at the European Union sphere, as well as the challenges faced at the accountability stage. While acknowledging the positive influence of corporate activity to the growth and prosperity of the European Union and the member states, she will focus on their negative implications on rule of law and human rights, and the subsequent repercussions on the quality of democracy. The research will investigate direct corporate impact on democracy and rule of law, as is the case of corporate contributions to campaign financing and their lobbying activities that help shape the agenda and regulatory practices within the European Union. It will also analyse their indirect impact, particularly when corporations are bestowed functions that used to be carried out by the state. Furthermore, the research will address the issue of corporate accountability on the political and legal plane, or the lack thereof, and formulate proposals for the way forward.