Europeanization, European integration and financial services. Developing theoretical frameworks and synthesising methodological approaches

Abstract:

This work seeks to provide an understanding of Europeanisation through investigation of the two-way interaction between EU policy and the domestic legislation of Member States, and the contribution of national governments and sub-national organisations in the development of European integration processes.

The work is organised in three parts. Part one is concerned with the philosophical foundations of European integration theories and Europeanisation. Chapter one introduces the political philosophies underpinning those theories, while chapter two builds on them, investigating grand theoretical perspectives that include realism and intergovernmentalism, functionalism and neo-functionalism. Chapter three examines distinct aspects of Europeanisation and the links they have with European integration. It explores such concepts as downloading, uploading, crossloading to show the interaction of process in Europeanisation.

Part two presents an historical perspective of Europeanisation and European integration. Chapter four explores the twentieth century history of Europe and the ideals of the founders of the EU and its early beginnings. Chapter five examines each of the political treaties and considers their political ramifications, drawing on theoretical perspectives to identify links with Europeanisation. Chapter six goes on to explore those links between European integration procedures and Europeanisation in practical terms.

Part three looks at European integration in financial services and shows how the development of financial services legislation at the EU level is an example of European integration. Chapter seven illustrates the effect of uploading in the financial regulatory structures which led to a convergence of some of the different beliefs on regulatory controls across Europe. Chapter eight explores the paradox in that convergence and the dichotomy between the unitary nature of European integration and the diversity of Europeanisation. Chapter nine shows how further uploading by Member States has contributed to formulation of a Single European Market in financial services, and presents an overview of the role of financial services authorities in the European integration and Europeanisation process. Chapter ten offers case studies from the UK, Poland, Germany and Italy to illustrate the downloading aspects of Europeanisation in relation to previous uploading and European integration.

The work will interest scholars, students, researchers and policy makers engaged in the fields of European studies, economics and EU integration.

Kerry E. Howell is Reader in Governance, Director of the Research Centre for Institutional Governance and Jean Monnet Teaching Fellow in the Ashcroft International Business School at Anglia Polytechnic University.