"European governance and the transfer of 'new' environmental policy instruments in the European Union"

Jordan, Andrew and Wurzel, Rudiger and Zito, Anthony R. and Bruckner, Lars. (2001) "European governance and the transfer of 'new' environmental policy instruments in the European Union". In: UNSPECIFIED, Madison, Wisconsin. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This paper examines the use if "new" environmental policy instruments (NEPIS), particularly market instruments and voluntary agreements, in the European Union. It focuses on the motivations of actors that are pushing for the adoption of innovative instruments in the EU process and their implementation in the member states. In exploring actor motivation, the research examines the role of actors in both the EU institutions and the member states (as well as the external international arena). Do the entrepreneurial actions of certain member governments, EU institutions, expert groups or non-governmental organizations motivate the adoption of new instruments, or are market pressures and other harmonization forces the main driving force? The research concentrates on voluntary agreements, eco-labels and eco-taxes. The paper uses the policy transfer as well as ideas and institutions literature in offering analytical conclusions. The paper draws upon preliminary research findings from a UK Economic and Social Research Council funded study of the use of NEPIS in the European Union and four case countries: Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

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