The impact of EU membership on policy networks in Austria: creeping change beneath the surface

Abstract:

Membership of the European Union (EU) has caused some significant changes in Austrian policy networks. Changes in the formal rules of policy-making, increased demands on all national actors, and time pressure have affected the collective actors' impact on policy-making. While the basic types of the social and environmental policy networks have not been changed, some collective actors (in particular the leading ministries) have gained influence but others (interest groups, the Parliament, and the Lander) have lost influence. There are also shifts of power between interest groups. The three brands of the new institutionalism explain specific elements of the adaptation of Austrian institutions and procedures to EU membership.