TY - JOUR

T1 - Differentiated or integrated?

T2 - The influence of European Administrative Networks on differentiated implementation of EU environmental policy

AU - Campera de Rezende Soares, Ana C

PY - 2023

Y1 - 2023

N2 - Differentiation has become a core feature not only in the European integration process but also in the implementation of European policies. Among the means to address differentiated implementation are European Administrative Networks (EANs). Through the exchange of information, best practices and advice, EANs are expected to contribute to more uniform implementation. However, the ways and extent to which they do so remain largely unexplored. This article addresses this gap through the empirical analysis of the European Network of Heads of Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA Network), drawing on a unique survey dataset and social network analysis. On the one hand, the findings uncover the EPA Network as a voluntary and informal network with a fragmented and clustered structure around key members. At the same time, several participants have recognised the network as a valuable asset to improving national implementation and developing innovative policy initiatives. Therefore, while there is significant diversity within and across the network, the network’s perceived contributions and added value point to the considerable importance of these instruments in EU policy implementation.

AB - Differentiation has become a core feature not only in the European integration process but also in the implementation of European policies. Among the means to address differentiated implementation are European Administrative Networks (EANs). Through the exchange of information, best practices and advice, EANs are expected to contribute to more uniform implementation. However, the ways and extent to which they do so remain largely unexplored. This article addresses this gap through the empirical analysis of the European Network of Heads of Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA Network), drawing on a unique survey dataset and social network analysis. On the one hand, the findings uncover the EPA Network as a voluntary and informal network with a fragmented and clustered structure around key members. At the same time, several participants have recognised the network as a valuable asset to improving national implementation and developing innovative policy initiatives. Therefore, while there is significant diversity within and across the network, the network’s perceived contributions and added value point to the considerable importance of these instruments in EU policy implementation.

KW - Faculty of Social Sciences

KW - European Administrative Networks

KW - differentiated implementation

KW - EU policy implementation

KW - environmental governance

KW - social network analysis

U2 - 10.1080/01402382.2023.2191101

DO - 10.1080/01402382.2023.2191101

M3 - Journal article

VL - 47

SP - 730

EP - 755

JO - West European Politics

JF - West European Politics

SN - 0140-2382

IS - 3

ER -