The European Union is paradoxical: it is not a state, yet it performs many traditional functions of the state. Its regulatory powers are immense but its redistributive functions are negligible; its decisions penetrate all aspects of economic and social life, yet Brussels has no local administration or tribunals, no controllers capable of guaranteeing the correct and faithful implementation of the regulations or objectives which frame European policies. Adjusting to Europe explores the means through which this paradox is confronted. It examines the nature and modalities of policy-making at Community level and discusses the implications of the specific nature of European institiutions for bargaining group mobilization and policy style. It then studies how the three major nation states have adjusted their policy processes and institutions to the European challenges. Finally, it considers the impact of community decisions in three areas: industrial, competition and social policy.
"Adjusting to Europe" provides lively coverage of the impact of Europe on national policies. With contributions from some of the leading writers on European politics and public policy--including Philippe Schmitter, Stanford University; Jeremy Richardson, University of Essex; Helen Wallace, University of Sussex; and Giandomenico Majone, European University Institute, Florence--the volume delivers an exciting analysis of the policy-making process.
The notion of the European Union is paradoxical: its regulatory powers are immense but its redistributive functions are negligible; its decisions penetrate all aspects of economic and social life, yet Brussels has no local administration or tribunals and no controllers capable of guaranteeing the correct and faithful implementation of the regulations.
Exploring the means through which this paradox is confronted, "Adjusting to Europe" examines the nature of policy-making at Community level and discusses the implications of the specific nature of European institutions for bargaining group mobilization and policy style. It then studies how the three major nation states have adjusted their policy processes and institutions to the European challenges. Finally, it considers the impact of community decisions in three areas: industrial, competition and social policy.
