Description
Book SynopsisEurope matters, but in different ways in different countries. The European Union affects the policy fabric of all member states, but that impact is differential rather than convergent. In some instances, new policy goals have been added to national agendas and fresh policy instruments are applied, while old ones become less important or are openly challenged. In other instances, when European and national policy objectives are concurrent, national practices may be reinforced, or even redirected, by EU policies. In all instances, however, state actors reconsider national policy practices wherever the EU extends it activities. This innovative study solves the differential puzzle by developing a sophisticated theoretical and conceptual framework for studying the impact of European policies on member states. Focusing especially on transport policy, the authors employ extensive interviews and archival research in an empirically rich set of case studies (Britain, France, Germany, Italy, an
Trade ReviewOffers an excellent research framework and detailed case studies, with important insights into the interaction between domestic and regional policy processes. An excellent addition to our understanding of the impacts of European integration and will certainly generate research in other policy areas. * Governance *
One of the great strengths of this book is the systematic and focused approach to its subject. They draw sound and well-supported comparative and theoretical conclusions on the basis of their framework and the evidence developed in the country chapters. * American Political Science Review *
Table of ContentsChapter 1: Differential Europe: New Opportunities and Restrictions for Policymaking in the Member States Chapter 2: The Dynamics of the EC Common Transport Policy Chapter 3: Reforming Transport Policy in Britain: Concurrence with Europe but Separate Development Chapter 4: Strengthening the Opposition and Pushing Change: The Paradoxical Impact of Europe on the Reform of French Transport Chapter 5: Regulatory Reforms in the German Transport Sector: How to Overcome Multiple Veto Points Chapter 6: Going through the Motions: The Modest Impact of Europe on Italian Transport Policy Chapter 7: From Regulation to Stimulation: Dutch Transport Policy in Europe Chapter 8: Differential Responses to European Policies: A Comparison
