Differentiated integration through networks? Third-Country participation to the EU's administrative space in times of crisis

This paper explores EU external differentiated integration at the level of the wider European administrative space. The wider European administrative space is structured by European agencies, themselves embedded in various forms in networks of competent national authorities. Such networks invariably include third-country authorities and frequently reach out to other intergovernmental organizations. This constitutes a trans-governmental layer of integration among national public authorities both from EU member states and, to a certain extent, third countries. We thus ask: how do scientific and regulatory networks transcend EU borders in the wider European administrative space? We compare three sectors public health, energy and migration. While cases are most different regarding the nature and strength of each sector ‘s network, they all present a particular sensitivity to crises. The context of crisis is not only relevant because of the EU’s state of permacrisis, it also shows the extent to which networks are able to rapidly mobilize their members, deal with ambiguity and learn from crises. Our findings show that networks are instrumental in fostering third country participation, but with importance differences between sectors in times of crisis. This is due to differences in network structure, European agency role and network composition (scientific, regulatory or stakeholder organizations).