Building Capacities for Integration: The Future Role of the Commission

Metcalfe, Les (1996) Building Capacities for Integration: The Future Role of the Commission. EIPASCOPE 1996(2):pp. 1-11.

Abstract

[From the Introduction]. The Maastricht Treaty contained a commitment to convene an Inter-Governmental Conference in 1996. The stated purpose of the 1996 IGC, (Maastricht II), is to examine 'the extent to which the policies and forms of cooperation introduced by this Treaty may need to be revised with the aim of ensuring the effectiveness of the mechanisms and the institutions of the Community'. Such an initiative is long overdue. A thorough examination of the requirements of effective performance in the EU is urgently needed as part of the general process of institutional reform. Inadequate administration and 'Eurobureaucracy' have always provided easy targets for opponents and critics of European integration. The organizational deficiencies of the Commission as well as fraud and misuse of Community funds regularly attract adverse comment and public criticism. In addition, the EU has set itself enormous challenges. Aside from its existing commitments, it is embarking on major new policy initiatives and opening up the prospect of a significant and difficult round of enlargement.