Have “European politics” and EU policy making replaced the politics of member state countries?
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the ways in which the European Union (EU) is influencing policy making in EU member states. It covers the historical development of the UK, France and Germany. There is evidence to suggest politics and economic policy making in these countries are now similar particularly in the areas of adopting anti inflationist strategies and opening up markets. However, some differences remain particularly regarding the flexibility of labour markets in the various member states.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper draws on the various components of integration theory and incorporates also a business history approach.
Findings
The main findings indicate that the EU is gradually having more influence over member states, newer areas of development include social policy, immigration and an increasing neoliberalist approach towards opening new markets. However, countries are still given some flexibility, for example, there are still a number of countries not yet willing to join the Euro currency.
Originality/value
The paper illustrates the important role of the EU in formulating policy for member states in today's increasingly competitive business environment. Business needs to be fully aware of these implications in order to become more successful while operating in the expanding European market.
Keywords
Citation
Floyd, D. (2008), "Have “European politics” and EU policy making replaced the politics of member state countries?", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 35 No. 5, pp. 338-343. https://doi.org/10.1108/03068290810861594
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited