The Road to Environmental Policy Integration is Paved with Obstacles: Intra- and Inter-Organizational Conflicts in EU Transport Decision-Making

Abstract:

Transport is one of the most polluting sectors and needs to adopt environmental protection, yet the constant struggle between the environment and the economy is often won by economic priorities. This struggle makes environmental policy integration difficult, especially in the legislative process. This article analyzes the co-decision process which led to the adoption of the 2011 Eurovignette Directive, and examines how intra-organizational conflicts in the European Parliament and the Council shaped inter-organizational negotiations and thus the level of environmental policy integration in the adopted policy. The European Parliament's rapporteur is identified as central for resolving differences between the actors. Overall, the paper argues that the economic crisis has strengthened existing national economic preferences over environmental protection, leading to environmental policy integration that is symbolic rather than substantial.