Chapter 10 Answer guidance

Q2) How influential is the Commission within the EU policy process?

See section 10.3

  • The Commission is involved in the policy process from start to finish.
  • However, there is disagreement over its degree of influence.
  • Intergovernmentalists argue:
    • National governments are key players, not supranational institutions.
  • Liberal intergovernmentalists argue:
    • The Commission has an important role to play.
    • However, its authority is derived and delegated.
    • The Commission facilitates intergovernmental cooperation.
    • However, its powers are decided by member states in treaty negotiations.
  • Neo-functionalists/institutionalists argue:
    • There is evidence of the Commission’s strong leadership.
    • Treaty-based frameworks are vague.
    • As such, the Commission is a key actor in translating these through day-to-day policy-making.
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