Can EU judicial intervention increase polity scepticism? Quasi-experimental evidence from Spain

The mantra of ‘take back control’ has become a staple eurosceptics across the European Union. At centre slogan's message is call to arms against (perceived) challenge that EU membership represents for national sovereignty. In this paper, we theorize supranational decisions taken by Court Justice can increase ‘polity scepticism’ – increased opposition and decreased satisfaction with democracy cueing citizens regarding effects integration on perception diluted Empirically, leverage quasi-experimental evidence support our theory, establishing ECJ rulings have significant causal effect euroscepticism dissatisfaction democracy. implications findings suggest institutions seeking ensure compliance rule law norms should proceed caution. Interventionist action may backfire increasing scrutiny EU's legitimacy undermining polity support.