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Going against the trend of post-modern and pessimistic assessments of the future of European democracies, this article proposes a model of flexible and pragmatic reform. The author’s ambition is to surpass the limits of democratic theory through concrete innovation and experimental initiative. In the context of a dynamic conceptualization of European political Systems, Schmitter makes a series of suggestion to open up the institutional configuration of « real existing democracies » in order to reinforce their legitimacy. In light of the challenges and opportunities provided by a changing social and political environment, he points to neglected resources for incremental reform. Beyond immediate tactical considerations, he invites political scientists to embrace a new role. Research, in his opinion, must no longer be separated from political and institutional practice.