Nav 2-1: Member states and integration theories

Length	Browsing: 30 minutes Reporting: 30 minutes
Goals	To appreciate the relevance of integration theories for understanding the role of member states in EU politics today. To familiarize yourself with websites dedicated to news on the EU.
Introduction	The purpose of this exercise is to apply integration theories to current developments in EU politics. In chapter 2, you have learned that the theories of (liberal) intergovernmentalism claim that member states are very much in control of integrative steps, neo-functionalism claims that there is a limit to the control they exert and postfunctionalism claims that a constraining dissensus has emerged, leaving EU politics increasingly dependent on the domestic politics of the member states. Through reading recent news reports, you will learn to detect the role of member states in a specific policy area and decide which theory applies best.
Steps	Browse either of the following four news sites: Euractiv EUobserver Politico Voxeurop Search for a news item that focuses on (either of) the member states in relation to an EU policy.
Questions	Summarize the news article, paying attention in particular to the role of member states. What does the story reveal about the role of the member states in this policy? Which integration theory would best explain the events?
Links	http://www.euractiv.com/ http://www.euobserver.com/ http://www.politico.eu/ http://www.voxeurop.eu/en/

Cambridge University Press