Do citizens perceive the EU as a legitimate level of action? Views from young people in Anderlecht, Brussels

This paper provides reflections on how to add to the base of knowledge that exists about how 'citizens' think about the EU. This paper explores theoretical and empirical reflections justifying the investigation of the legitimization of the EU from the citizens' point of view, especially young people (17-26 years) living in Brussels. It provides theoretical reflections on the necessity to investigate the question of EU legitimacy from grassroots level. Following the qualitative turn in EU studies, it confirms the relevance of analyzing this macro question with a 'microscope' to address the normative debate relating to the foundations of the (non) legitimization processes – based on inputs and/or outputs – towards the EU, especially in a time of crisis.