European Union Intergovernmental Conferences: Domestic preference formation, transgovernmental networks and the dynamics of compromise

by Thurner; Paul W.

• ISBN13: 9780415456609
• ISBN10: 0415456606
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-06-05
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

This book provides a detailed examination of the complex negotiation processes surrounding intergovernmental conferences in the European Union. Since the Treaty of Amsterdam (1997) and its 'appendix', the Treaty of Nice in 2002, any reform of the treaty framework of the European Union seems to be doomed to fail, evidenced by the decline of the Constitutional Treaty and by the current fate of the Lisbon treaty. By presenting an extensive quantitative study of the Intergovernmental Conference of 1996/7 prior to the Treaty of Amsterdam, the authors argue that these negotiations reveal the major challenges of European integration. Drawing on advanced statistical methods, they contend that multi-level negotiations require an appropriate coordination of informal administrative networks and the empowerment of administrative leadership, with these factors significantly shaping the dynamics and outcomes of negotiations. Through these findings, this book lays down the foundation for future evidence-based evaluations of negotiations and implementation studies, and delivers new insights on decision-making within the European Union. European Union Intergovernmental Conferenceswill be of interest to students and researchers of political science, sociology, administrative science, business and management studies, international law and European law.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Constitutionalization of the EU and the Role of Intergovernmental Conferences

Research Design: A Quantitative Case Study

The Agenda: Negotiation Issues, Legal Negotiations Options, and the Legal Status Quo

Opening the Game: The Official Declaration of Governmental Negotiation Positions

The Domestic Game: Opening the Black Box

Transgovernmental Networks in Semi-permeable Governments

Negotiation Dynamics

Conclusion

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