Introduction

This paper begins the volume by introducing the subject of unelected legislators in the European Union. We first explore alternative theories of how legislation is passed in democratic polities, explaining why simple notions that all legislation should be the responsibility of elected representatives are unrealistic and possibly even undesirable. We then outline both the complexities and the importance of the legislative process in the EU, explaining the major types and sources of law. Finally, we preview the following contributions to the volume, indicating how they contribute to the examination of our general theme.