This essay present a short theory developement integrating the prespectives of neo-functionalism and liberal-intergovernmentalism with regard to EU policy making.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Decision making process
- Analysis of decision making levels
- Meso-Level
- Systemic Level
- Super-Systemic Level
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper analyzes the decision-making process within the European Union, focusing on the differences between everyday decision-making and constitutional bargaining. It examines the EU as a "new governance system" characterized by multiple actors and levels of decision-making.
- Analyzing the EU decision-making process as a "new governance system"
- Identifying and comparing different levels of decision-making within the EU
- Exploring the role of informal networks and lobbying in the decision-making process
- Examining the theoretical frameworks that explain decision-making on different levels
- Understanding the influence of national interests and historical decisions on the EU policy process
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The paper begins by defining the EU's decision-making process as a complex, multi-layered system involving various actors and levels of decision-making. It then introduces a three-step approach to analyze this process: an examination of the nature of the decision-making process, an explanation of different decision levels, and a general interpretation.
The first chapter focuses on the decision-making process within the EU, highlighting its multi-layered nature, time sensitivity, and the involvement of both state and non-state actors. It proposes a pyramidal model with three levels of decision-making: the super-systemic level (grand-bargains, new treaties), the systemic level (policy making within the regulated EU framework), and the meso-level (informal policy making).
The second chapter analyzes each level of decision-making in detail. The meso-level is characterized by informal networks and technocracy, where opinions are shaped before reaching a formal stage. The systemic level involves formalized decision processes, constrained by previously agreed rules and the partial autonomy of institutional actors. The super-systemic level entails constitutional bargaining and decision-making through inter-governmental conferences.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The primary keywords and focus topics of this text include European Union decision-making, new governance system, multi-level governance, policy networks, constitutional bargaining, systemic level, meso-level, super-systemic level, institutionalism, rational choice theory, and lobbying.
- Citation du texte
- Michael Engels (Auteur), 2011, EU Policy Making - How does everyday decision-making differ from constitutional bargaining and why?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/195316
