Europeanization, democratic deficit and the constitutional debate in Estonia

Using the tools of quantitative as well as qualitative discourse analysis, the article examines the patterns of politicization and Europeanization of the Estonian print media debate on the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe (TCE) during the reflection period between June 2005 and July 2007. The study arrives at the conclusion that the motive of deliberation behind the reflection period was channelled into an old habit of preferring efficiency, speed, and rationality over the principles of democratic deliberation and participation. Although a certain level of horizontal Europeanization of the media debate was detected, this was accompanied by a low level of politicization, resulting in a passive mode of argumentation and a minimum degree of debate.