This article analyses the European Union's (EU) lack of legitimacy for European
citizens. It examines the expanding credibility gap of the EU since the Treaty
of Lisbon Irish referendums in 2008 and 2009. Although there are various reasons
for the EU's lack of legitimacy, this article proposes the failure of the EU to
penetrate the domestic public or social spheres and the dearth of opportunities
for citizen participation in EU governance as primary factors. The article then
considers risks associated with the current euro crisis, drawing lessons from
the largely ignored sociological and political factors that impact on its
resolution.