Shared Administration and Networks: Global and EU Perspectives

Abstract:     
There is an extensive literature in political science concerning policy networks, with divergent interpretations given to this term. The present paper examines the way in which networks are used by the EU in policy delivery in the light of the literature concerning networks and the global order, and global administrative law. The paper begins by examining some of this prominent literature. In part two the focus shifts to networks concerned with policy delivery in the EU. The terrain is mapped, there is analysis of different types of networks and the reasons why they are chosen. It is argued in part three that networks are properly regarded as one part of shared administration in the EU. The discussion in part four considers the rationale for use of networks in relation to policy delivery, to be followed in part five by analysis of the particular features of these EU networks. Part six is concerned with issues of legitimacy and accountability posed by networks in the EU. The paper concludes by considering the lessons that can be learned about networks on the global level from experience within the EU.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 61

Keywords: administrative law, accountability, European Union, governance, legitimacy, networks

Accepted Paper Series