Enlargement of the EU and Effective Implementation of Community Rules: An Integration-Based Approach. EIPA Working Paper 99/W/04

Nicolaides, Phedon (1999) Enlargement of the EU and Effective Implementation of Community Rules: An Integration-Based Approach. EIPA Working Paper 99/W/04.

Abstract

[From the Introduction]. The purpose of this paper is threefold. It makes a first attempt to define what may be thought as the basic components of effective implementation capacity. The second purpose of the paper is to explore the limits of implementation capacity and in particular the tradeoff between the effectiveness of the various policy instruments and the efficiency of utilising available resources. When existing and prospective member states choose the particular means of applying EU rules, variations inevitably emerge among them. It is not obvious when such variations are acceptable or tolerable and when they are not. Thirdly, the paper argues the case against the view that there can be a single model of effective capacity to apply and enforce EU rules. This kind of effectiveness partly reflects existing national conditions and institutions. Applicant countries should be given guidance and assistance but they should not expect precise blueprints. They cannot but innovate. Innovation, although necessary and unavoidable, is not without risks. Deviating from traditional or familiar methods and models will provoke the scrutiny, if not the outright suspicion, of the EU. Therefore, proving to the EU that indeed they have that capacity will be to them as important as establishing it.