Chapter 4 Answer guidance

Q3) According to neo-functionalist theory, what role do the supranational institutions play in the European integration process?

See section 4.4

  • According to neo-functionalism, supranational institutions (e.g. the Commission and the European Parliament) play an important role in the integration process.
    • They promote supranational cooperation.
    • They promote a technocratic (as opposed to a political) agenda.
  • Actors within these organizations undergo ‘elite socialization’.
  • Therefore, they begin to ‘think European’ and to develop European loyalties.
  • Supranational actors encourage national elites to pursue supranational cooperation.
  • Supranational institutions develop their own political agendas.
  • Over time these agendas are preferred over national agendas/preferences.
  • They oversee the shift towards more technocratic (as opposed to political) agendas where it is easier to forge agreement.
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