Linking EU and national governance

Abstract:

This work arises from the research programme 'Governance in the European Union' sponsored by the German Research Council. It draws on contributions by scholars from different disciplines but nevertheless reflect a characteristic German view.

The book opens with a paper examining the different approach of the German research to that of a similar and yet spontaneous body of research undertaken through the British Economic and Social Research Council. The editor then follows with a chapter on interdependent European governance which forms an introduction to the other contributions. Chapter three examines the links between national and supranational institutions and explores the stresses and strains placed upon national administrations. Chapter four highlights the increasing trend of national institutions to shift attention to the EU level with more and more resources given over to involvement on EU policies. Chapter five addresses multilevel governance in the EU and revaluates the democratic deficit. Justice and home affairs are the focus of chapter six, which comments upon the important part played by the Amsterdam Treaty and the growth of institutional co-operation in the field of JHA. European Structural Funds command about one third of the Community budget and are seen as the great success of the EU over the past fifty years. Chapter seven examines their development and capacity for self-reforming and collaborative attitude that has prospered in relationships at EU, national and regional levels. Chapter eight looks at the flip side of those policies, exploring the differences and inconsistencies in the patterns of implementation in EC structural policy. European employment policy is the focus of chapter nine, while the final chapter looks at compliance within the EU and points out the strengths and weaknesses of the EC in promoting compliance in specific areas. To illustrate the points the writer has chosen the examples of BSE and the control of industrial subsidies.

The book will interest scholars and students of European Studies, International Relations, Governance and Compliance of the EU.

Beate Kohler-Koch is Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Mannheim.