Theory
In negotiations over the EU’s Migration Pact, wealthier member states agree to provide funding instead of accepting refugee quotas. Which institutionalist theory explains this outcome as states maximizing benefits while minimizing political costs within institutional rules?
Rational Choice Institutionalism
Despite being directly elected by EU citizens, the European Parliament cannot propose laws or collect taxes. So how does it still exert real power in the EU processes?
Through the ordinary legislative procedure (co-decision) and power of approving the EU budget and MFF
Why was the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) chosen as the first supranational institution, and how did its specific sectoral focus serve both economic and political integration goals?
War prevention, economic integration, and supranational governance experiments
The Community method is often described as the “classic” EU decision-making process. Why might some member states resist it in favor of other modes?
Because it limits national sovereignty by giving supranational bodies like the Commission and Parliament strong roles, some states prefer intergovernmental methods to keep control.
This principle guarantees that a service legally offered in one EU country can be sold in any other without additional restrictions — unless there’s a very good reason not to.
Mutual recognition
A country joins the EU and suddenly its ministers start saying “acquis,” wearing blue ties, and quoting Commission directives. What’s happening to this country?
Europeanization – they’re adapting to EU norms and practices
One of the most powerful EU institutions doesn’t pass laws, isn’t elected, and doesn’t meet regularly — yet its declarations shift the entire EU agenda. Who are they?
The European Council – sets strategic direction; composed of heads of state/government; its influence is informal but immense.
How have NGOs, business groups, and social movements influenced the trajectory of European integration? Give two examples where non-state actors shifted policy outcomes.
NGOs: Environmental groups influenced EU environmental policy and climate targets (e.g., European Green Deal).
Business groups: Lobbied for Single Market regulations favorable to cross-border trade (e.g., financial services).
Social movements: Citizens’ initiatives, protests (e.g., against TTIP trade deal) show limits of technocratic integration.
Non-state actors are crucial in shaping EU policy and legitimacy, often challenging state priorities.
In policy implementation, why do EU regulations often work better than directives, especially in diverse member states?
Regulations are directly applicable and uniform, avoiding inconsistent national implementation, while directives can differ in ways of implementation.
Why can an asylum seeker be returned from Germany to Greece — even if they crossed several EU borders legally? What law makes this possible?
The Dublin Regulation says the first EU country of entry is responsible for asylum claims.
Historical Institutionalism tells us institutions are “sticky.” What does this mean in the context of EU integration?
Past decisions create path dependency, making major changes difficult even when conditions shift.
In the Council of the EU, not everyone sings the same tune. Depending on the topic, decisions require either unanimity, qualified majority, or even simple majority. Give one example where unanimity is still required — and explain why it’s tricky.
Common foreign and security policy, taxation, treaty changes; the accession of new EU Member States; operational police cooperation between Member States.
Some scholars argue that major EU integration steps occur mostly in response to crises rather than planned strategy. Evaluate this claim with examples for both views from European history.
Support for claim:
Post-WWII: ECSC after war devastation
Covid-19 pandemic: NextGenerationEU fund etc.
Counterpoint: Some integration was gradual and planned (Treaty of Rome, Single Market)
Crises act as catalysts but integration depends on political will and compromises.
How does the interplay between supranational institutions (like the Commission) and intergovernmental (like the European Council) influence EU policy outcomes?
Supranational bodies push integration and EU-wide interests, while intergovernmental ones reflect national priorities. Their tension shapes compromise in legislation, sometimes slowing progress but also ensuring broader legitimacy.
What role does the EU play on the world stage when conflicts flare up far from Europe? How does the Common Foreign and Security Policy help the EU act as a peacemaker and protector?
Through diplomacy, sanctions, and crisis missions, the EU tries to prevent and resolve conflicts, often teaming up with partners like the UN. It’s Europe’s collective voice in CDSP, working together to keep peace and stability.
You thought you were just fixing trade rules, but suddenly—boom!—there’s a new EU environmental agency. Which neofunctionalist concept describes this chain reaction of integration spreading from one policy area to another?
Functional spillover
Describe the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in shaping EU policy through the use of the preliminary ruling procedure.
The preliminary ruling procedure allows national courts to refer questions on EU law interpretation to the CJEU. This process ensures consistent application of EU law across member states and can indirectly influence national policy by clarifying legal obligations.
How has European integration shaped the EU’s role as a global actor? In what ways does the EU’s internal cohesion affect its external influence? Critically analyze with current examples.
Internal cohesion: Strong integration allows a unified voice in trade, climate, and diplomacy.
Weaknesses: Diverging member interests hinder coherent foreign policy (e.g., Nord Stream 2, relations with China and Russia).
Global power: EU seen as a ‘normative power’ exporting values but lacks hard power (military).
Examples:
Unified sanctions against Russia vs. individual member state differences
Trade deals negotiated by EU collectively
Explain the concept of subsidiarity in the EU and how it constrains the policymaking powers of EU institutions.
Subsidiarity is a principle that ensures decisions are made as closely as possible to citizens and that the EU only acts when action at the national or local level is insufficient. It limits EU intervention in areas where member states can act effectively alone.
The European Climate Law requires regular “progress checks.” Which EU body is responsible for monitoring and reporting on climate target progress, and how does it influence policy adjustments?
The European Environment Agency (EEA) monitors and reports on the EU’s progress toward climate targets. Its analyses provide crucial evidence that guides the European Commission in proposing new laws and adjusting the EU’s climate policies.
An EU policy is stuck because: some countries use their veto (Intergovernmentalism), integration pressure creates demands for new agencies (Neofunctionalism), domestic governments slowly adapt to EU norms (Europeanization), but old treaty rules make change slow (Historical Institutionalism).
Name each theory’s key concept linked to these theories.
Intergovernmentalism: Sovereignty & veto/unanimity; national interests and bargaining
Neofunctionalism: Spillover; Spillback; Elite socialization;
Europeanization: Socialization/adaptation; top-down and bottom-up
Historical Institutionalism: Path dependency; Critical junctures
The European Commission holds the exclusive right to propose legislation, yet sometimes refrains from acting on popular demands from the European Parliament or citizens. Which institutional and political factors constrain the Commission’s agenda-setting power, and how might this tension illustrate the limits of supranationalism within the EU?
Consider veto threats in the Council, internal Commission politics, lobbying pressure, and Treaty competencies.
How did the collapse of the Soviet bloc transform the EU’s identity and enlargement strategy in the 1990s?
It shifted from economic cooperation to political union and enlargement as a means to secure democracy and stability in Eastern Europe.
This type of competence allows the European Union to legislate and adopt legally binding acts only to support, coordinate, or supplement the actions of Member States—examples include culture and education.
Supporting competence
Portfolio investments differ from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in their impact on the economy. What is a key characteristic that distinguishes portfolio investment from FDI?
Portfolio investments involve buying stocks or bonds without controlling the company, whereas FDI involves direct management or influence through ownership of shares.