Explaining Decisions in the European Union

Explaining outcomes of decision-making at the European level has occupied scholars since the late 1950s, yet analysts continue to disagree on the most important factors in the process. In this book, Arne Niemann examines the interplay of the supranational, governmental and non-governmental actors involved in EU integration, along with the influence of domestic, supranational and international structures. The book restates and develops neofunctionalism as an approach for explaining decisions in the European Union and assesses the usefulness of the revised neofunctionalist framework on three case studies: the emergence and development of the PHARE programme, the reform of the Common Commercial Policy, and the communitarisation of visa, asylum and immigration policy. Niemann argues that this classic theory can be modified in such a way as to draw on a wider theoretical repertoire and that many micro-level concepts can sensibly be accommodated within his larger neofunctionalist framework.

Table of Contents:
List of tables; Acknowledgements; List of abbreviations; Introduction; 1. Theoretical framework and research design; 2. The emergence and development of the PHARE programme; 3. The reform of the common commercial policy; 4. The communitarisation of visa, asylum and immigration policy; 5. Conclusion; References; Index.

About the Author :
Arne Niemann is a lecturer and research fellow in EU Studies and International Relations at the University of Dresden. He has published articles in the Journal of European Public Policy and International Negotiation and is the editor of Herausforderungen an die deutsche und europaische Ausenpolitik: Analysen und Politikempfehlungen (2005).

Review :
'A major contribution to the 'theory-grounded' literature on European integration. This should become an 'incontourable' reference for all serious students of the process.' Philippe Schmitter, Department of Political and Social Sciences, European University Institute, Italy 'With this concise book Arne Niemann provides a refreshingly new assessment and important further development of neofunctionalism as a long-term grand theory in European integration studies. The work succeeds admirably in presenting a much debated and not entirely uncontested theoretical approach in an exciting and most convincing way. The strength of Niemann's excellent contribution lies in theorising 'countervailing forces' based on a dialectical approach, and in sustaining this important theoretical innovation by thorough and extensive empirical research. This book will prove a landmark for theoretical debates in European integration and regional integration more generally; in addition, it is highly recommended as required reading on classes that address integration theories.' Professor Antje Wiener, Chair in International Relations and Director of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, School of Politics & International Studies, Queens University Belfast