From the Standing Group on
Young ECPR Network on Europeanisation (YEN)On 4 April 2025 the Young ECPR Network on Europeanisation (YEN) organised the third webinar of its Virtual Seminar Series on Europeanisation. On this occasion Claudio Radaelli (European University Institute & University College London) and Marina Cino Pagliarello (European University Institute) delivered a talk entitled: “What does research on Europeanization tell us about the EU policy, politics and polity?”.
The talk examined the current status of the research agenda on Europeanisation, appraising its situation today, its blind spots, and what it tells us about integration and dis-integration. As argued by the speakers, the recurring, sometimes overlapping presence of different internal and external crises affects the nature of Europeanization. But rather than thinking in dualistic terms (Europeanization vs. de-Europeanization) the authors find more utility in drawing on crisis theory and polity formation theory to make the case for the cyclical nature of the politics of integration.
They contended that if crisis is the new normal, then episodes in reverse gear should be observed frequently, without this necessarily destroying the integration project. For them, Europeanization is a process of (re)definition of boundaries, authority, and bonds characteristic of polity maintenance. One of the main blind spots of Europeanization research would be its silence on the normative dimension. According to the speakers, further research would also be needed on the connections between differentiated integration, the lack of convergence observed in studies of Europeanization, and the final implications of such a diverse EU for the historical trajectory of integration.
Acting as discussant, Stella Ladi (Queen Mary University of London & Panteion University-Athens) helped us to further discuss the research agenda on Europeanisation and its relation with the process of European integration. Her valuable contribution was also a stimulus for the broader discussion with the seminar’s audience. The video recording of the talk can be found here.
This webinar was an excellent way to proceed with our Seminar Series as our speakers are distinguished scholars who have produced significant work on Europeanisation. This event was also an adequate way to pursue some of our Standing Group's objectives, such as facilitating debate and networking among our members and other political scientists on the topic of Europeanisation.
Thank you again to all that participated in this third webinar of our Standing Group and do stay attentive to our media outlets as we plan to organise other events in the near future!
