When we are faced with conflicting choices – burden-sharing through taxation, the organization of the public sector, the status of public employees, etc. – the member states are considered to be the only bodies entitled to decide. In short, when the EU brings subsidies, it receives congratulations; but when it pushes for unpopular reforms, it becomes the scapegoat for political, social, and economic failures.
欧盟在获得人们认可时更是问题重重，这种认可包含着人们对欧盟的归属和依恋。面对艰难抉择的时候－通过收税平衡负担、公共领域的组织形式、政府雇员的地位等－各成员国被视作有权决定的唯一实体。简言之，欧盟发放补助时，人们趋之若骛；但一旦推行不受欢迎的改革，欧盟就成了政治、社会和经济弊政的替罪羔羊。