The European Union policy process : policy making in the Community pillar

Abstract

This thesis examines the policy making process of the European Union (EU), an entity whose reach and depth is in constant evolution. More specifically, it evaluates the degree to which two competing theories - liberal intergovemmentalism and supranational governance - explain how policy is produced in three domains of EU’s Community pillar: education, consumer policy and telecommunications. The theories are tested in a structured, replicable and in-depth manner across three stages of the policy process from policy formulation to implementation. This thesis shows that neither theory offers a best ‘fit’ as to how policy is produced in the EU. Member state executives largely control the pace and scope of policy formulation. However, they do not control policy outcomes in negotiation. The European Parliament plays an important decision making role and the rules of the game matter. Finally, in implementation both theories overlook the ability of national systems to adopt and adapt to EU legislation.