"Following the negative 2005 referendum outcome on the EU Constitution, the authors analyse the decreasing legitimacy of the European Union in the Netherlands. The analysis shows that national politicians and policy makers are crucial links for the future legitimacy of EU policies in an ever closer political Union. They may no longer focus exclusively on output legitimacy, but must allow for citizens' input, accountability mechanisms and identification processes. Suggestions are made to improve the functioning of the Dutch representative democracy in this respect, but also to allow for 'preferenda' to be held on EU issues and to develop national, including constitutional checks and balances. Lastly, the role of civil society and the news media is analysed."--Jacket.