Alec Stone Sweet
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199275533
- eISBN:
- 9780191602009
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/019927553X.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
The evolution of the European Community (EC) towards a supranational constitution is charted by combining three different perspectives. First, an examination is made of the major features of the ...
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The evolution of the European Community (EC) towards a supranational constitution is charted by combining three different perspectives. First, an examination is made of the major features of the integration process since 1959, which argues that the European market and polity developed symbiotically, as the activities of economic actors, organized interests, litigators and judges, and the EC's legislative and regulatory organs became linked, to create a self‐sustaining, dynamic system. Second, the ‘constitutionalization’ of the treaty system is investigated, and the activities of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) surveyed; among other things, constitutionalization secured property rights for transnational market actors, expanded the discretionary powers of national judges, and reduced the EC's intergovernmental character. Third, the relationship between the ECJ and the national courts is considered, focusing on how intra‐judicial conflict and cooperation have shaped the production of specific constitutional doctrines; through these ‘constitutional dialogues’, the supremacy of EC law was gradually achieved, rendering it judicially enforceable. Overall, the chapter situates the development of the European legal system within the overall process of European integration.Less
The evolution of the European Community (EC) towards a supranational constitution is charted by combining three different perspectives. First, an examination is made of the major features of the integration process since 1959, which argues that the European market and polity developed symbiotically, as the activities of economic actors, organized interests, litigators and judges, and the EC's legislative and regulatory organs became linked, to create a self‐sustaining, dynamic system. Second, the ‘constitutionalization’ of the treaty system is investigated, and the activities of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) surveyed; among other things, constitutionalization secured property rights for transnational market actors, expanded the discretionary powers of national judges, and reduced the EC's intergovernmental character. Third, the relationship between the ECJ and the national courts is considered, focusing on how intra‐judicial conflict and cooperation have shaped the production of specific constitutional doctrines; through these ‘constitutional dialogues’, the supremacy of EC law was gradually achieved, rendering it judicially enforceable. Overall, the chapter situates the development of the European legal system within the overall process of European integration.
Basilios Tsingos
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199243754
- eISBN:
- 9780191600333
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199243751.003.0012
- Subject:
- Political Science, Democratization
Reviews the existing literature on the manner in which the Greek transition from authoritarian rule to democracy was effected, and evaluates the role that the European Community and its member states ...
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Reviews the existing literature on the manner in which the Greek transition from authoritarian rule to democracy was effected, and evaluates the role that the European Community and its member states played both in the transition process and in the subsequent democratic consolidation. It argues that the channels of influence were supplementary, rather than central or decisive, and that the EC and its members cannot properly be labelled as ‘exporters’ of democracy within the transition process. The influence has rather been felt in the consolidation phase, with the EC acting as a ‘guarantor’ or an ‘underwriter’ of democracy.Less
Reviews the existing literature on the manner in which the Greek transition from authoritarian rule to democracy was effected, and evaluates the role that the European Community and its member states played both in the transition process and in the subsequent democratic consolidation. It argues that the channels of influence were supplementary, rather than central or decisive, and that the EC and its members cannot properly be labelled as ‘exporters’ of democracy within the transition process. The influence has rather been felt in the consolidation phase, with the EC acting as a ‘guarantor’ or an ‘underwriter’ of democracy.
Ingmar Von Homeyer, Alexander Carius, and Stefani Bär
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198297574
- eISBN:
- 9780191598982
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198297572.003.0017
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
The Eastern enlargement of the European Union poses risks to European Community environmental policy. Eastern and Central European countries have difficulty adopting the environmental chapter of the ...
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The Eastern enlargement of the European Union poses risks to European Community environmental policy. Eastern and Central European countries have difficulty adopting the environmental chapter of the acquis communautaire, the common body of legislation. The widespread use of transition periods for adopting the acquis may lead to a partial renationalisation of environmental policy-making.Less
The Eastern enlargement of the European Union poses risks to European Community environmental policy. Eastern and Central European countries have difficulty adopting the environmental chapter of the acquis communautaire, the common body of legislation. The widespread use of transition periods for adopting the acquis may lead to a partial renationalisation of environmental policy-making.
Christina Eckes
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199573769
- eISBN:
- 9780191722158
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199573769.003.0002
- Subject:
- Law, Human Rights and Immigration, EU Law
This chapter analyzes the competences of the Community and the European Union (EU) to adopt sanctions against individuals. It argues that, de lege lata, neither the EU nor the Community have the ...
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This chapter analyzes the competences of the Community and the European Union (EU) to adopt sanctions against individuals. It argues that, de lege lata, neither the EU nor the Community have the competence to adopt sanctions against private individuals. If, however, such measures were to be adopted within the EU, certain parts of the procedure, such as identifying those that will be targeted with sanctions, would have to take place under the first pillar (Community law). The structure of the chapter is as follows. Section 1 focuses on the competences of the Community to adopt individual sanctions. Section 2 focuses on the two Union pillars (Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Police and Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters (PJCC)). Section 3 analyses how the current way of adopting individual sanctions threatens the competence distribution between the three pillars of the EU (horizontal division), while Section 4 looks into the power balance between the EU and its Member States (vertical division). Section 5 addresses the changes under the Lisbon Treaty and discusses to what extent the existing problems are resolved by the new provisions.Less
This chapter analyzes the competences of the Community and the European Union (EU) to adopt sanctions against individuals. It argues that, de lege lata, neither the EU nor the Community have the competence to adopt sanctions against private individuals. If, however, such measures were to be adopted within the EU, certain parts of the procedure, such as identifying those that will be targeted with sanctions, would have to take place under the first pillar (Community law). The structure of the chapter is as follows. Section 1 focuses on the competences of the Community to adopt individual sanctions. Section 2 focuses on the two Union pillars (Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Police and Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters (PJCC)). Section 3 analyses how the current way of adopting individual sanctions threatens the competence distribution between the three pillars of the EU (horizontal division), while Section 4 looks into the power balance between the EU and its Member States (vertical division). Section 5 addresses the changes under the Lisbon Treaty and discusses to what extent the existing problems are resolved by the new provisions.
Christina Eckes
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199573769
- eISBN:
- 9780191722158
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199573769.003.0006
- Subject:
- Law, Human Rights and Immigration, EU Law
This chapter examines the quality of procedural and judicial protection from Community regulations and demonstrates that judicial review of Union lists is not only necessary from the perspective of ...
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This chapter examines the quality of procedural and judicial protection from Community regulations and demonstrates that judicial review of Union lists is not only necessary from the perspective of the individual, but that such a review is also required by European law. The structure of the chapter is as follows. Section 1 examines the protection offered to those targeted by European sanctions giving effect to Union lists of terrorist suspects. This includes both protection from Community and Union law. Section 2 discusses different avenues that lead to judicial review of Union law. Section 3 briefly analyzes the protection from Union listings before the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), while Section 4 examines the possibility of judicial review of Union law in national courts. The starting point for the latter examination is the Opinion of Advocate-General Mengozzi in the case of Segi. Section 5 analyses the interplay between the different courts in Europe. It attempts to point out how the decisions of the ECtHR and the national courts influence the rulings in the EU courts. A conclusion wraps up the discussion.Less
This chapter examines the quality of procedural and judicial protection from Community regulations and demonstrates that judicial review of Union lists is not only necessary from the perspective of the individual, but that such a review is also required by European law. The structure of the chapter is as follows. Section 1 examines the protection offered to those targeted by European sanctions giving effect to Union lists of terrorist suspects. This includes both protection from Community and Union law. Section 2 discusses different avenues that lead to judicial review of Union law. Section 3 briefly analyzes the protection from Union listings before the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), while Section 4 examines the possibility of judicial review of Union law in national courts. The starting point for the latter examination is the Opinion of Advocate-General Mengozzi in the case of Segi. Section 5 analyses the interplay between the different courts in Europe. It attempts to point out how the decisions of the ECtHR and the national courts influence the rulings in the EU courts. A conclusion wraps up the discussion.
Oskar Niedermayer and Richard Sinnott
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198294764
- eISBN:
- 9780191600005
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/019829476X.003.0012
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This chapter addresses the issue of democratic representation and legitimacy in the context of the European Community, with particular reference to one sector of its institutional structure: the ...
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This chapter addresses the issue of democratic representation and legitimacy in the context of the European Community, with particular reference to one sector of its institutional structure: the European Parliament. The evidence shows that the existence of a democratic deficit in the EC is widely recognized, not only by political elites and commentators but also by mass public opinion. The evidence also suggests that the institution which ought to be doing most to repair that deficit – the European Parliament – is not succeeding in the task. Only something between a quarter and one‐third of EC citizens have even a minimal understanding of its role, and tend to project on to it their conceptions of their own national legislatures. This factor, together with the persistently low levels of electoral turn‐out in European Parliament elections, indicates that the Parliament is not playing as large a role as it might in assisting the institutionalization of legitimacy.Less
This chapter addresses the issue of democratic representation and legitimacy in the context of the European Community, with particular reference to one sector of its institutional structure: the European Parliament. The evidence shows that the existence of a democratic deficit in the EC is widely recognized, not only by political elites and commentators but also by mass public opinion. The evidence also suggests that the institution which ought to be doing most to repair that deficit – the European Parliament – is not succeeding in the task. Only something between a quarter and one‐third of EC citizens have even a minimal understanding of its role, and tend to project on to it their conceptions of their own national legislatures. This factor, together with the persistently low levels of electoral turn‐out in European Parliament elections, indicates that the Parliament is not playing as large a role as it might in assisting the institutionalization of legitimacy.
Mark A. Pollack
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- April 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780198294641
- eISBN:
- 9780191601071
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198294646.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
Is European integration still being driven, as it used to be, by intergovernmental agreement, or is the mainspring now located within the European Community itself? This chapter explores the autonomy ...
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Is European integration still being driven, as it used to be, by intergovernmental agreement, or is the mainspring now located within the European Community itself? This chapter explores the autonomy and the influence of the EC's supranational organizations and the extent to which they can act as engines of the integration process, focusing in particular on the executive activities of the European Commission. In terms of the larger project of the book as a whole, its primary emphasis is on supranational organizations and the extent to which they can drive the integration process along the continuum between an intergovernmental and a supranational polity. It begins with a theoretical discussion of the role of supranational organizations in the integration process, and then presents some basic hypotheses about the variables underlying variations in the autonomy and influence of supranational agents such as the European Commission, the European Court of Justice, and the European Parliament. It then examines problems of subjecting these hypotheses to empirical verification, with particular reference to the activities of the Commission. It concludes by arguing that supranational autonomy and influence cannot be rightly understood in terms of a simple dualism between ‘obedient servants’ and ‘runaway Eurocracies’, but in terms of variance along a continuum between the two.Less
Is European integration still being driven, as it used to be, by intergovernmental agreement, or is the mainspring now located within the European Community itself? This chapter explores the autonomy and the influence of the EC's supranational organizations and the extent to which they can act as engines of the integration process, focusing in particular on the executive activities of the European Commission. In terms of the larger project of the book as a whole, its primary emphasis is on supranational organizations and the extent to which they can drive the integration process along the continuum between an intergovernmental and a supranational polity. It begins with a theoretical discussion of the role of supranational organizations in the integration process, and then presents some basic hypotheses about the variables underlying variations in the autonomy and influence of supranational agents such as the European Commission, the European Court of Justice, and the European Parliament. It then examines problems of subjecting these hypotheses to empirical verification, with particular reference to the activities of the Commission. It concludes by arguing that supranational autonomy and influence cannot be rightly understood in terms of a simple dualism between ‘obedient servants’ and ‘runaway Eurocracies’, but in terms of variance along a continuum between the two.
Jack Hayward and Anand Menon (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199250158
- eISBN:
- 9780191599439
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199250154.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
This book is intended to be the leading advanced survey of politics in Western Europe. It examines in detail all aspects of political life in Western Europe, from public protest to core executives, ...
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This book is intended to be the leading advanced survey of politics in Western Europe. It examines in detail all aspects of political life in Western Europe, from public protest to core executives, and from social policy to Europe’s place in the world. It brings together a team of leading scholars from the United Kingdom, continental Europe and North America. The contributions provide not only a sophisticated introduction to the various issues covered, but also a detailed discussion of the major theoretical and empirical debates and developments in the field. The book thus combines the functions of providing a comprehensive overview and a series of original contributions to scholarly debate. It has 23 chapters, two of which are introductory, and look at institutions and the evolution of European democracy, and national courts and European Community Law. The focus of the remainder is on European core executives (4 chapters), public administration (4 chapters), parties and organized interests (3 chapters), democracy and popular participation (3 chapters), public policy (4 chapters) and the changing European state (3 chapters). The book is intended as a tribute to the late Vincent Wright of Nuffield College, Oxford University, to whom the Foreword and Preface are devoted.Less
This book is intended to be the leading advanced survey of politics in Western Europe. It examines in detail all aspects of political life in Western Europe, from public protest to core executives, and from social policy to Europe’s place in the world. It brings together a team of leading scholars from the United Kingdom, continental Europe and North America. The contributions provide not only a sophisticated introduction to the various issues covered, but also a detailed discussion of the major theoretical and empirical debates and developments in the field. The book thus combines the functions of providing a comprehensive overview and a series of original contributions to scholarly debate. It has 23 chapters, two of which are introductory, and look at institutions and the evolution of European democracy, and national courts and European Community Law. The focus of the remainder is on European core executives (4 chapters), public administration (4 chapters), parties and organized interests (3 chapters), democracy and popular participation (3 chapters), public policy (4 chapters) and the changing European state (3 chapters). The book is intended as a tribute to the late Vincent Wright of Nuffield College, Oxford University, to whom the Foreword and Preface are devoted.
Richard Sinnott
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198294764
- eISBN:
- 9780191600005
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/019829476X.003.0011
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This chapter examines the theoretical processes by which policy issues become internationalized, and uses set theory to examine their inter relationships. It then examines the evidence by which to ...
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This chapter examines the theoretical processes by which policy issues become internationalized, and uses set theory to examine their inter relationships. It then examines the evidence by which to measure the extent to which public opinion looks to the national level of governance, operating under the principle of subsidiarity, rather than the European Community level, to tackle a particular type of policy issue or range of issues. The analysis suggests that the legitimacy of internationalized governance is a highly differentiated matter which varies from one policy area to another. It depends, moreover, on the relationship between, on the one hand, public perceptions and expectations and, on the other, the nature of the problems being confronted and the claims of the EC or other agency of internationalized governance. The analysis supports a recurring theme of this book, that orientations towards internationalized governance are highly differentiated by time and country, and by institutional and policy sectors.Less
This chapter examines the theoretical processes by which policy issues become internationalized, and uses set theory to examine their inter relationships. It then examines the evidence by which to measure the extent to which public opinion looks to the national level of governance, operating under the principle of subsidiarity, rather than the European Community level, to tackle a particular type of policy issue or range of issues. The analysis suggests that the legitimacy of internationalized governance is a highly differentiated matter which varies from one policy area to another. It depends, moreover, on the relationship between, on the one hand, public perceptions and expectations and, on the other, the nature of the problems being confronted and the claims of the EC or other agency of internationalized governance. The analysis supports a recurring theme of this book, that orientations towards internationalized governance are highly differentiated by time and country, and by institutional and policy sectors.
Loukas Tsoukalis
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199279487
- eISBN:
- 9780191602979
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199279489.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
This chapter explores the widening gap between economics and politics in Europe. It discusses four main themes: the gradual evolution of the policy agenda at the European level, the geographical ...
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This chapter explores the widening gap between economics and politics in Europe. It discusses four main themes: the gradual evolution of the policy agenda at the European level, the geographical expansion of membership, the changing nature of common institutions and ‘governance’, and the changing attitudes of the citizens of the EU and member states. It argues that despite the continuous expansion of its policy agenda, the EU remains largely an economic system with an increasingly complex institutional setup with no proper political base. For years, European governments have been talking about establishing a political union as a counterpart of economic and monetary union; what they have achieved is cooperation in various policy areas, including foreign policy and internal security, and limited institutional reforms, which have little to do with political union.Less
This chapter explores the widening gap between economics and politics in Europe. It discusses four main themes: the gradual evolution of the policy agenda at the European level, the geographical expansion of membership, the changing nature of common institutions and ‘governance’, and the changing attitudes of the citizens of the EU and member states. It argues that despite the continuous expansion of its policy agenda, the EU remains largely an economic system with an increasingly complex institutional setup with no proper political base. For years, European governments have been talking about establishing a political union as a counterpart of economic and monetary union; what they have achieved is cooperation in various policy areas, including foreign policy and internal security, and limited institutional reforms, which have little to do with political union.
Philip Everts and Richard Sinnott
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198294764
- eISBN:
- 9780191600005
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/019829476X.003.0017
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This chapter presents a balance sheet regarding the assessments of public support for internationalized governance presented in the preceding chapters. On the credit side, there is widespread and ...
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This chapter presents a balance sheet regarding the assessments of public support for internationalized governance presented in the preceding chapters. On the credit side, there is widespread and high‐level support for European Community integration, some evidence for the emergence of a sense of European identity, and some signs of willingness to transfer responsibilities in certain policy areas to the supranational level. On the debit side, there is evidence that support for EC integration has been declining since 1991, and that concern over a perceived ‘democratic deficit’ has been growing. Moreover, the assessment of public attitudes towards EC integration cannot be aggregated into a simple quotient, but needs to take account of the wide variations within the spectrum of public opinion within member countries, between various policy areas, and between publics of different countries.Less
This chapter presents a balance sheet regarding the assessments of public support for internationalized governance presented in the preceding chapters. On the credit side, there is widespread and high‐level support for European Community integration, some evidence for the emergence of a sense of European identity, and some signs of willingness to transfer responsibilities in certain policy areas to the supranational level. On the debit side, there is evidence that support for EC integration has been declining since 1991, and that concern over a perceived ‘democratic deficit’ has been growing. Moreover, the assessment of public attitudes towards EC integration cannot be aggregated into a simple quotient, but needs to take account of the wide variations within the spectrum of public opinion within member countries, between various policy areas, and between publics of different countries.
Paul P. Craig
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199250158
- eISBN:
- 9780191599439
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199250154.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
An examination is made of the way in which national courts have reacted to European Community law, in particular to the claim to supremacy over national law contained in the jurisprudence of the ...
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An examination is made of the way in which national courts have reacted to European Community law, in particular to the claim to supremacy over national law contained in the jurisprudence of the European Court of Justice. The discussion begins with a brief account of the Community’s supremacy doctrine. This is followed by an analysis of the reaction of national courts to this claim. The focus then shifts from positive law to the normative evaluation of a number of issues central to this topic. The chapter concludes with an overview of the political science literature that has considered the reasons for the reaction of national courts to the claims made by the Community’s judicial institutions.Less
An examination is made of the way in which national courts have reacted to European Community law, in particular to the claim to supremacy over national law contained in the jurisprudence of the European Court of Justice. The discussion begins with a brief account of the Community’s supremacy doctrine. This is followed by an analysis of the reaction of national courts to this claim. The focus then shifts from positive law to the normative evaluation of a number of issues central to this topic. The chapter concludes with an overview of the political science literature that has considered the reasons for the reaction of national courts to the claims made by the Community’s judicial institutions.
Bettina Westle
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198294764
- eISBN:
- 9780191600005
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/019829476X.003.0013
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This chapter examines the nature and extent of public representation on the issue of European Community enlargement. The evidence shows show public opinion is poorly informed and weakly consulted, ...
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This chapter examines the nature and extent of public representation on the issue of European Community enlargement. The evidence shows show public opinion is poorly informed and weakly consulted, and that the process of enlargement has been exclusively a matter for political elites. The citizens of member states have never been asked by their governments whether or not they want other countries admitted. Neither the prospective membership of a specific country nor the tension between deepening and widening have emerged as issues in public debate or as major differences between political parties. The situation has a considerable effect on theoretical expectations regarding the territorial dimension of the EC.Less
This chapter examines the nature and extent of public representation on the issue of European Community enlargement. The evidence shows show public opinion is poorly informed and weakly consulted, and that the process of enlargement has been exclusively a matter for political elites. The citizens of member states have never been asked by their governments whether or not they want other countries admitted. Neither the prospective membership of a specific country nor the tension between deepening and widening have emerged as issues in public debate or as major differences between political parties. The situation has a considerable effect on theoretical expectations regarding the territorial dimension of the EC.
Alec Stone Sweet and Thomas Brunell
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199256488
- eISBN:
- 9780191600234
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199256489.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
To sustain a viable social science of law and courts, testable propositions, appropriate research designs for testing those hypotheses, and comparative materials are needed; Ch. 4, and the two papers ...
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To sustain a viable social science of law and courts, testable propositions, appropriate research designs for testing those hypotheses, and comparative materials are needed; Ch. 4, and the two papers within it, discuss and use three strategies for building theory through testing and comparing. This second paper, which was originally published in the American Political Science Review in 1998, employs econometric and other modes of statistical analysis as well as qualitative ‘process tracing’ to evaluate specific causal propositions about how European Community (EC) integration and the construction of the European legal system (as enforced by the European Court of Justice) have proceeded. The research design constitutes a mixed means of testing: (1) deductive derivation of hypotheses from materials developed in prior comparative research, (2) collection of data to operationalize the theorized variables, (3) testing of the hypotheses through quantitative data analysis, and (4) cross-checking of these results and exploration of other theorized relationships or dynamics (qualitatively). The research leads Stone Sweet and Brunell to propose a theory of European legal integration (i.e. the process by which Europe has constructed a transnational rule-of-law polity), which integrates three interdependent causal factors: contracting among individuals, third-party dispute resolution, and the production of legal norms. The theory is tested, with reference to the EC, in two stages: first, the construction of the legal system is explained and the relationships between the three key variables are analysed over the life of the EC; second, the impact of the operation of the legal system is examined on governance (i.e. on policy processes and outcomes) at both the national and the supranational levels.Less
To sustain a viable social science of law and courts, testable propositions, appropriate research designs for testing those hypotheses, and comparative materials are needed; Ch. 4, and the two papers within it, discuss and use three strategies for building theory through testing and comparing. This second paper, which was originally published in the American Political Science Review in 1998, employs econometric and other modes of statistical analysis as well as qualitative ‘process tracing’ to evaluate specific causal propositions about how European Community (EC) integration and the construction of the European legal system (as enforced by the European Court of Justice) have proceeded. The research design constitutes a mixed means of testing: (1) deductive derivation of hypotheses from materials developed in prior comparative research, (2) collection of data to operationalize the theorized variables, (3) testing of the hypotheses through quantitative data analysis, and (4) cross-checking of these results and exploration of other theorized relationships or dynamics (qualitatively). The research leads Stone Sweet and Brunell to propose a theory of European legal integration (i.e. the process by which Europe has constructed a transnational rule-of-law polity), which integrates three interdependent causal factors: contracting among individuals, third-party dispute resolution, and the production of legal norms. The theory is tested, with reference to the EC, in two stages: first, the construction of the legal system is explained and the relationships between the three key variables are analysed over the life of the EC; second, the impact of the operation of the legal system is examined on governance (i.e. on policy processes and outcomes) at both the national and the supranational levels.
Alec Stone Sweet
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199275533
- eISBN:
- 9780191602009
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/019927553X.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
An examination is made of the emergence and institutionalization of a new policy domain for the European Community (EC): environmental protection – a domain that did not exist before the signing of ...
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An examination is made of the emergence and institutionalization of a new policy domain for the European Community (EC): environmental protection – a domain that did not exist before the signing of the Single European Act (SEA) of 1985, when the Member States formally recognized the EC's legislative authority in the field, and the strengthening of these competences in 1992 by the Treaty of European Union and in 1997 by the Treaty of Amsterdam. Partly owing to lack of Treaty basis, and partly because of factors to be discussed in this chapter, the influence of the legal system on the development of the EC's policy has not been as pervasive as it has been for the main categories of law and policy established under the original Rome Treaty. The first section, ‘The Policy Domain’ provides a brief overview of the evolution of environmental protection as a supranational field of governance. The second focuses on the attempts of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to manage the relationship between freedom of trade (free movement of goods) and the EC's environmental policies, showing that this case law served to legitimize the EC's competences in the field before the SEA. The third section assesses the Court's interactions with the EC legislator and the Member States from the perspective of delegation theory, examining both what happens when the ECJ acts as a trustee of the Treaty, and when it functions as an agent of the legislator, i.e. when it is asked to resolve disputes about the meaning of provisions contained in EC statutes; no evidence was found that the ECJ regularly defers to the interests of powerful Member States, rather, it has pursued the ‘Community's interest’, broadly conceived, even when engaging in routine statutory interpretation.Less
An examination is made of the emergence and institutionalization of a new policy domain for the European Community (EC): environmental protection – a domain that did not exist before the signing of the Single European Act (SEA) of 1985, when the Member States formally recognized the EC's legislative authority in the field, and the strengthening of these competences in 1992 by the Treaty of European Union and in 1997 by the Treaty of Amsterdam. Partly owing to lack of Treaty basis, and partly because of factors to be discussed in this chapter, the influence of the legal system on the development of the EC's policy has not been as pervasive as it has been for the main categories of law and policy established under the original Rome Treaty. The first section, ‘The Policy Domain’ provides a brief overview of the evolution of environmental protection as a supranational field of governance. The second focuses on the attempts of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to manage the relationship between freedom of trade (free movement of goods) and the EC's environmental policies, showing that this case law served to legitimize the EC's competences in the field before the SEA. The third section assesses the Court's interactions with the EC legislator and the Member States from the perspective of delegation theory, examining both what happens when the ECJ acts as a trustee of the Treaty, and when it functions as an agent of the legislator, i.e. when it is asked to resolve disputes about the meaning of provisions contained in EC statutes; no evidence was found that the ECJ regularly defers to the interests of powerful Member States, rather, it has pursued the ‘Community's interest’, broadly conceived, even when engaging in routine statutory interpretation.
Giandomenico Majone
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199250158
- eISBN:
- 9780191599439
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199250154.003.0017
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
A distinctive feature of the modern regulatory state is the extensive delegation of powers to politically independent institutions (agencies, boards, commissions, tribunals), and this delegation of ...
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A distinctive feature of the modern regulatory state is the extensive delegation of powers to politically independent institutions (agencies, boards, commissions, tribunals), and this delegation of legislative powers to unelected policy- makers has always been somewhat problematic from the viewpoint of democratic theory. The American regulatory state has grappled with this issue for more than a century, and regulatory legitimacy is becoming an increasingly important political problem also in Europe, both at national and Community levels. In the United States the ‘non–delegation doctrine’ was the first attempt to resolve the normative problems raised by the emergence of a modern system of administrative regulation, and found widespread acceptance, but the delegation problem is considerably more complicated in the European Community/European Union (EC/EU), where various initiatives have been enacted. In both the United States and in Europe, constitutional doctrines against delegation have unravelled because the practical case for allowing regulatory discretion is overwhelming, so it is impossible to study the politics of regulation without first understanding why political principals choose to delegate rule–making powers. This is the subject of the first section of this chapter, which then goes on to analyse the relation between delegation and agency independence using the concept of political property rights, and to discuss the future of European regulation, and the politics of institutional change.Less
A distinctive feature of the modern regulatory state is the extensive delegation of powers to politically independent institutions (agencies, boards, commissions, tribunals), and this delegation of legislative powers to unelected policy- makers has always been somewhat problematic from the viewpoint of democratic theory. The American regulatory state has grappled with this issue for more than a century, and regulatory legitimacy is becoming an increasingly important political problem also in Europe, both at national and Community levels. In the United States the ‘non–delegation doctrine’ was the first attempt to resolve the normative problems raised by the emergence of a modern system of administrative regulation, and found widespread acceptance, but the delegation problem is considerably more complicated in the European Community/European Union (EC/EU), where various initiatives have been enacted. In both the United States and in Europe, constitutional doctrines against delegation have unravelled because the practical case for allowing regulatory discretion is overwhelming, so it is impossible to study the politics of regulation without first understanding why political principals choose to delegate rule–making powers. This is the subject of the first section of this chapter, which then goes on to analyse the relation between delegation and agency independence using the concept of political property rights, and to discuss the future of European regulation, and the politics of institutional change.
Paul Pierson
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- April 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780198294641
- eISBN:
- 9780191601071
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198294646.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
Presents a historical institutionalist account of the development of supranational governance. Focusing on the cumulative impact of the European Community's organization and rule‐making machinery, it ...
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Presents a historical institutionalist account of the development of supranational governance. Focusing on the cumulative impact of the European Community's organization and rule‐making machinery, it argues that, over time, institutional effects like path dependence and lock‐in overwhelm the capacities of national governments to control the course of integration. This is due in part to the fact that governments tend to focus on short‐term interests, while being unable to calculate long‐term consequences of delegating authority to EC institutions. It is also due to the forging of multi‐dimensional relationships between societal actors and EC institutions, such as the European Court and the European Commission, by which information asymmetries develop to the advantage of EC organizations vis‐a‐vis national governments. Various examples of this process can be seen in areas of social policy, such as gender equality and workplace health and safety.Less
Presents a historical institutionalist account of the development of supranational governance. Focusing on the cumulative impact of the European Community's organization and rule‐making machinery, it argues that, over time, institutional effects like path dependence and lock‐in overwhelm the capacities of national governments to control the course of integration. This is due in part to the fact that governments tend to focus on short‐term interests, while being unable to calculate long‐term consequences of delegating authority to EC institutions. It is also due to the forging of multi‐dimensional relationships between societal actors and EC institutions, such as the European Court and the European Commission, by which information asymmetries develop to the advantage of EC organizations vis‐a‐vis national governments. Various examples of this process can be seen in areas of social policy, such as gender equality and workplace health and safety.
Michael E. Smith
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- April 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780198294641
- eISBN:
- 9780191601071
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198294646.003.0011
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
Investigates why the EPC process (and its successor, the Common Foreign and Security Policy) have appeared to be ‘less than supranational, but more than intergovernmental’. First, it outlines a ...
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Investigates why the EPC process (and its successor, the Common Foreign and Security Policy) have appeared to be ‘less than supranational, but more than intergovernmental’. First, it outlines a theoretical argument challenging the view that governments have dominated the EPC/CFSP decision‐making process. It then shows how EPC began to evolve (against the wishes of some governments) beyond its intergovernmental origins into a transgovernmental network, producing rules that became associated with European Community rules and procedures, and encouraged the involvement of EC actors. It then describes the process by which EPC was replaced by CFSP, inaugurating a new and supranational institutional basis for CFSP.Less
Investigates why the EPC process (and its successor, the Common Foreign and Security Policy) have appeared to be ‘less than supranational, but more than intergovernmental’. First, it outlines a theoretical argument challenging the view that governments have dominated the EPC/CFSP decision‐making process. It then shows how EPC began to evolve (against the wishes of some governments) beyond its intergovernmental origins into a transgovernmental network, producing rules that became associated with European Community rules and procedures, and encouraged the involvement of EC actors. It then describes the process by which EPC was replaced by CFSP, inaugurating a new and supranational institutional basis for CFSP.
Sophie Duchesne and André‐Paul Frognier
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198294764
- eISBN:
- 9780191600005
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/019829476X.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This chapter focuses on how far citizens of member‐states of the European Community consider themselves as belonging to a distinct political entity. Specifically, it focuses on the relationship ...
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This chapter focuses on how far citizens of member‐states of the European Community consider themselves as belonging to a distinct political entity. Specifically, it focuses on the relationship between different levels of ‘belonging’, from the local to the European, and even the world level, and on the feeling of being a ‘European citizen’ or a ‘European’. The empirical evidence provided by ‘Eurobarometer’ public opinion survey data indicates clearly that it is too early to speak of the internationalization of identities. For the present, a ‘European identity’ is a vanguard phenomenon.Less
This chapter focuses on how far citizens of member‐states of the European Community consider themselves as belonging to a distinct political entity. Specifically, it focuses on the relationship between different levels of ‘belonging’, from the local to the European, and even the world level, and on the feeling of being a ‘European citizen’ or a ‘European’. The empirical evidence provided by ‘Eurobarometer’ public opinion survey data indicates clearly that it is too early to speak of the internationalization of identities. For the present, a ‘European identity’ is a vanguard phenomenon.
Alec Stone Sweet
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199275533
- eISBN:
- 9780191602009
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/019927553X.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
The previous chapter showed how transnational activity, the adjudication of the European Community (EC) law, and EC lawmaking had developed symbiotically to determine much of what is important about ...
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The previous chapter showed how transnational activity, the adjudication of the European Community (EC) law, and EC lawmaking had developed symbiotically to determine much of what is important about European integration. This chapter provides a more detailed sectoral account of how the adjudication of one class of trading disputes gradually, but authoritatively, undermined the intergovernmental aspects of the EC, while enhancing the polity's supranational, or federal, character. Assesses the impact of adjudicating the freer movement of goods provisions of the Treaty of Rome on integration and supranational governance, focusing on the problem of non‐tariff barriers, as governed by Arts. 28–30 (EC). Proceeds as follows: first, the treaty rules on intra‐EC trade are examined, hypotheses derived about how the domain could be expected to evolve, and the argument advanced is contrasted with alternatives; second, in a section ‘Judicial Governance and Market‐Building’, the emergence is tracked of the basic doctrinal framework (the Dassonville framework) governing the domain, an analysis made of the aggregate data on adjudication in the sector, and the impact traced of the European Court of Justice's case law on the decision‐making of other actors, including the European Commission and Member State governments; third, the mutation of the framework that occurred in the 1990s is discussed – an event that was heavily conditioned by the endogenous development of the law itself; the chapter concludes with an assessment of the findings in light of the pertinent scholarly debates about the impact of the European legal system on the greater course of market‐building and political integration.Less
The previous chapter showed how transnational activity, the adjudication of the European Community (EC) law, and EC lawmaking had developed symbiotically to determine much of what is important about European integration. This chapter provides a more detailed sectoral account of how the adjudication of one class of trading disputes gradually, but authoritatively, undermined the intergovernmental aspects of the EC, while enhancing the polity's supranational, or federal, character. Assesses the impact of adjudicating the freer movement of goods provisions of the Treaty of Rome on integration and supranational governance, focusing on the problem of non‐tariff barriers, as governed by Arts. 28–30 (EC). Proceeds as follows: first, the treaty rules on intra‐EC trade are examined, hypotheses derived about how the domain could be expected to evolve, and the argument advanced is contrasted with alternatives; second, in a section ‘Judicial Governance and Market‐Building’, the emergence is tracked of the basic doctrinal framework (the Dassonville framework) governing the domain, an analysis made of the aggregate data on adjudication in the sector, and the impact traced of the European Court of Justice's case law on the decision‐making of other actors, including the European Commission and Member State governments; third, the mutation of the framework that occurred in the 1990s is discussed – an event that was heavily conditioned by the endogenous development of the law itself; the chapter concludes with an assessment of the findings in light of the pertinent scholarly debates about the impact of the European legal system on the greater course of market‐building and political integration.
