European Union Negotiations: Processes, Networks and Institutions

The EU policy process is dependent on negotiations as a mode of reaching agreements on, and implementing, common policies. The EU negotiations differ from traditional international negotiations in several respects and this book presents a detailed analysis of the processes while examining its distinguishing features. The authors explore the variety of negotiation processes, the continuity and institutionalization of negotiation processes as well as the involvement of a variety of actors besides governments, often linked in informal networks. Going beyond the common distinctions based on issue-areas or the EU as negotiation arena as opposed to negotiating actor externally, the authors explore the impact of different stages in the policy process and the nature of the external negotiating partner. Organized in two parts: *Part I focuses on the EU as a negotiation arena *Part II focuses on the EU as a Negotiating Actor in the International Arena This book will be of interest to studentsand researchers studying European policy-making and international relations, and EU governance. It also provides useful perspectives and conceptual tools for officials who participate in EU negotiation processes as representatives of governments or other actors.