Grand theories European integration

Question 1

What is transactionalism? + author

Answer 1

The more transnational interactions people have, the more in favor they are of the European Union (Deutsch)

Question 2

What is functionalism? + author

Answer 2

Decision making should be done at the level where it is most functional. Some argue that too much decision making is done at the supranational level and because of that the EU is becoming very similar to a nation-state. Decision making should not in its entirety be delegated to the supranational authorities but it should be done on a level where it most logical and efficient (functional), whether that be supranational or national or any other level (Mitrany).

Question 3

What is neo-functionalism? + author

Answer 3

This theory stresses the autonomy of supranational authorities. It argues that the European Cool and Steel Community, Euratom, and the European Economic Community were established so quickly after WWII because economic integration is a win-win situation for everyone involved. Additionally, the integration was the result of technocratic decisions (rather than political decisions): it was just more practical and beneficial to cooperate. Furthermore, the integration was established relatively quickly because it was done in incremental steps (step-by-step) which showed to be effective (Haas).

More specifically, three factors explained the European integration processes in the 1950s-1960s: spill-over, elite socialization, and interest groups. Firstly, spill-over appeared to be the case: once there is cooperation in one policy area, cooperation in other policy areas may follow. Secondly, elite socialization increased integration: people from different member states who work for the EU (EC, ECJ, EP etc.) become immersed in a European world: they will form friendships/contacts etc. within these European spheres which shifts their national loyalties to loyalties for the EU. Lastly, different interest groups lobbied for economic integration because it is more beneficial than staying on a national level.

Question 4

What are weaknesses of neo-functionalism?

Answer 4

Weaknesses/criticisms
1. Empirical absence/slow pace of political integration
o Spillback: Brexit
o Does not explain the eurosclerosis phase (among others) of stalemate and disintegration
2. Theoretical fails to encapsulate reality of European cooperation
o Alt. Approach theories of interdependence
3. assumption if the elites start to cooperate, then populations will follow false, think Brexit

Question 5

What is classical intergovernmentalism? + author

Answer 5

Member states are the key integration actors, they are the ones who have power. Supranational institutions are only agents and are highly restricted in their power. The importance of member states has not been diminished by European integration. The cooperation between member states is rational (not ideological) and based on costs-benefits analyses. Council is emphasized to be the representative of Member states governments (EC and EP play much smaller role) (Hoffman).

Question 6

What are three critiques of classical intergovernmentalism?

Answer 6

1. ‘high’/’low’ distinction is inaccurate or at least very subjective
2. there are constraints to the states’ sovereignty which the theory underplays/underestimates
3. oversimplification of the European integration project

Question 7

What is liberal intergovernmentalism? + author

Answer 7

This theory stresses the autonomy of national leaders and argues that European integration is a series of choices made by national leaders. Member states are rational actors and have unitary national preferences. These preferences emerge from the economic interests of societal groups. The results of intergovernmental negotiations are based on the negotiation powers of the member state and, thus, the intensity of preferences. The choice of the institutional design of the EU depends on the member state’s interests and remains under the control of the nation-state government (Moravcisk).

Question 8

What are critiques of liberal intergovernmentalism?

Answer 8

1. Liberal intergovernmentalism claims to be a grand theory and explain all of the European integration process but it is a very narrow and biased theory as it focuses only on the Treaty negotiations. Although these negotiations did play a great role in European integration in economic spheres, it does not explain European integration as a whole.
2. Additionally, the theory ignores everyday politics/other ways of reforming the EU.
3. Oversimplified view of how domestic politics work: there is no unitary national preference in a nation state (domestic politics are highly heterogeinous which is also reflected in the EU).
4. Underestimates the power of the European Commission and European Court of Justice to push for European integration outside of Treaty negotiations. EXAMPLE: landmark rulings of ECJ that gave extra power to European law.

Question 9

What is the executive branch of the EU?

Answer 9

Dual executive (creates competition between institutions)

1. European Commission
   - short-term policy making
   - represents the common interest of the EU
2. Council system (European council)
   - long-term policy making
   - represents the interests of member states

Question 10

What is the legislative branch of the EU?

Answer 10

Council system

European Parliament

Question 11

What is the judiciary branch of the EU?

Answer 11

European Court of Justice

Question 12

What are the functions of the European Commission?

Answer 12

1. political executive wing
   - commissioners and staff
2. administrative wing
   - commission directorates generals (DG) and services

Question 13

How does the appointment of the Commission work?

Answer 13

1. appointment of the Commission’s president

2. appointment of the Commissioners

Question 14

About the Council system:

Answer 14

It has both executive and legislative functions, and is the most intergovernmentalist institution of the EU, although it does show a hybrid character

Question 15

What is the spitzenkandidatenprocedure?