Policy dynamics in the European Union

Abstract

This panel examines the emergence and evolution of distinctive policy dynamics in the “European Union policymaking space”—that is, policymaking institutions in the European Union and its member-states. Policy dynamics are durable constellations of political actors and causal mechanisms that have distinctive policy consequences over time” in systems of multi-level governance. The term policy dynamic describes a series of specific, recurring patterns between • specific types of actors and their strategic behavior, • causal mechanisms that contribute to a particular outcome, but do not completely determine it (Falletti and Lynch, 2009), • conditions that facilitate or inhibit the operation of causal mechanisms (opportunity structure; see Kitschelt 1986), and • likely (but not perfectly predictable) policy consequences of those causal mechanisms, which may appear in strong or muted forms. These policy dynamics include harmonization/supplantation of member-state policies by the European Union, joint decision traps, “creeping competencies”, emulation and diffusion across member states, a “race to the bottom”, differentiated implementation, and member-state shirking in implementation of EU policies. This panel examines the sources, operation, impact and interaction of one or more policy dynamics in the European Union policymaking space, including those that examine hybridity in policy dynamics. Papers will explore the conditions under which specific policy dynamics emerge in either “strong” or more muted forms in particular policy sectors, and the impact of those dynamics on policy choices, outputs and outcomes. It explores the role played by powerful, boundedly rational actors (governments, interests, NGOs) who have incentives, capacity and leverage to advocate for and invest resources and build coalitions to promote specific policy dynamics as a vehicle for achieving their political, policy and institutional objectives. It entails papers that represent a variety of theoretical perspectives and methodologies, and that draw comparisons between the European Union and other systems of multi-level governance.

Title	Details
A sharing-based policy dynamic in multilevel systems: Lessons from Germany’s Online Access Law	View Paper Details
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Competing policy dynamics in the European Union	View Paper Details