Abstract In the European Union administrative functions are assigned to the Commission, the European Central Bank and about 40 agencies. Representative democracy is organised in the Parliament, the European Council and the Council. The two spheres are not linked with a permanent confidential relationship as in national parliamentary government systems because the Commission, the ECB and the agencies are independent. The transmission belt model of administration is not applicable. Democratic legitimacy therefore must be guaranteed by accountability mechanisms, ie ex post control instruments concerning political, financial and legal aspects. Whether this model of accountability fits for the European Border and Coast Guard proposed by the Commission is doubtful.
