This essay present a short theory developement integrating the prespectives of neo-functionalism and liberal-intergovernmentalism with regard to EU policy making.
Table of Contents
1. Decision making process
2. Analysis of decision making levels
3. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the complexity of European Union decision-making by applying a pyramidal model that distinguishes between different levels of authority, ranging from meso-level informal interactions to systemic policy-making and super-systemic constitutional bargaining.
- Theoretical foundations of EU governance systems
- Distinction between multi-level decision-making processes
- Role of institutional and rational choice theories
- Interplay between day-to-day policy-making and constitutional reform
- Integration of supra-national and state actor influences
Excerpt from the Book
Decision making process
Within the EU as a “new governance system” decisions are not only taken at one level, but are dispersed over various levels involving multiple actors (Hix 2011). Hence, it is necessary to distinguish the levels of decision making in order to identify differences influencing the overall policy process and the interaction between the single levels. Moreover, this approach allows the integration of theories from various fields focusing on different aspects of the policy making process in a compelling general theory (Jachtenfuchs 1995; Peterson 1995, p. 71).
Empirically, the decision process within the EU is characterized by three facts: multi-layer decision making, time sensitivity, and multiple state as well as non-state actors (Peterson 1995, p. 71; Pierson 1996, p. 149). These three characteristics can be incorporated through a pyramidal policy making model consisting of three levels of decision making: the super-systemic level (grand bargains, new treaties, etc.), the systemic level (policy making within the regulated EU framework), and the meso-level (informal policy making). Moreover, the model incorporates the time disparity of many EU policy making processes through separating the policy making process into an influencing and an implementation process (Pierson 1996, p. 149).
Summary of Chapters
Decision making process: This chapter introduces the pyramidal model as a tool to conceptualize the EU as a multi-level governance system, separating decision-making into three distinct layers to facilitate analysis.
Analysis of decision making levels: This section provides a theoretical deep dive into each level—meso, systemic, and super-systemic—evaluating how different actors and theories (such as rational choice or institutionalism) explain behavior at each stage.
Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the findings, arguing for a holistic view of EU policy-making that integrates day-to-day politics with constitutional bargaining rather than treating them as disconnected spheres.
Keywords
European Union, Multi-level governance, Pyramidal model, Decision-making, Institutionalism, Rational choice, Meso-level, Systemic level, Super-systemic level, Constitutional bargaining, Policy network, Integration, Political actors, Path-dependency, Policy implementation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The work examines how the European Union's complex decision-making processes can be analyzed and understood by categorization into different levels of interaction.
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
The study covers European integration theories, multi-level governance, the role of institutional versus rational actors, and the distinction between daily policy-making and constitutional bargaining.
What is the primary goal of the author?
The goal is to move beyond singular-level theories and provide a coherent, holistic analytical framework that explains the interactions between different decision-making tiers in the EU.
Which scientific methods are employed in this analysis?
The author uses a theoretical modeling approach, specifically the "pyramidal policy making model," to integrate institutionalist and rational choice perspectives into a unified framework.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body evaluates the meso-level (informal networks), the systemic level (regulated frameworks), and the super-systemic level (inter-governmental conferences), analyzing the specific power dynamics and theoretical explanations relevant to each.
Which keywords best describe this work?
Key terms include multi-level governance, pyramidal model, EU decision-making, rational choice, and institutionalism.
How does the author define the 'meso-level' in the context of EU decisions?
The meso-level is defined as an informal, technocratic arena characterized by policy networks where lobbying and resource dependency play a significant role in shaping initial policy options.
Why does the author argue that neo-functionalism is difficult to apply to the pyramidal model?
The author argues that neo-functionalism is unfeasible in this specific model because it relies on assumptions that prevent a clear, separate modeling of the various decision-making levels identified in the pyramidal approach.
- Quote paper
- Michael Engels (Author), 2011, EU Policy Making - How does everyday decision-making differ from constitutional bargaining and why?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/195316
