Executives and Federalism: the Case of EU Rule-Making

This paper explores the significance of delegated powers in connecting different decision-making units of the EU both horizontally - between legislative and executive institutions at the Union level - as well as vertically, i.e. between Union centre and federated states. In this context, much of our conceptual understanding of delegated powers in the EU hinges on the dual nature of the Council as both European legislature and representative body of state interests - a circumstance that initially obscures the nature of delegated powers in the EU and also accounts for the transformation of the system over time. The paper, having examined these conceptual issues in the context of the triangular relations of the Council with European Parliament and European Commission, then proceeds to engage in an empirical discussion in order to illustrate how arrangements have changed over time. The conclusion of the chapter relates these developments to the wider process of federalisation of the Euro-polity.