The European Union And International Development: The Politics Of Foreign Aid (uaces Contemporary European Studies) (uaces Contemporary European Studies Series)

Synopsis

The European Union is a leading actor in international development, providing more than half of the world's foreign aid, but also a unique case, combining the characteristics of a bilateral and a multilateral donor. Despite the general acknowledgement that policy co-ordination substantially improves both the effectiveness of foreign aid and the visibility of the EU in the international arena, Member States have consistently resisted any intrusion into what they consider a key area of their national sovereignty. The increase in volume of aid, the ambitious agenda on aid effectiveness and the adoption of the European Consensus on Development indicate a change of direction.

Using development policy as a starting point, this book provides a systematic analysis of the interaction between the European Commission and Member States. It explores the conditions in which the European Commission influences the outcome in the EU decision-making process. It ultimately argues that the European Commission plays a leadership role, but this leadership is contingent upon the presence of an institutional entrepreneur, its internal cohesiveness and the astute use of a repertoire of tactics.

Demonstrating that development policy may provide fresh insights into EU integration theory, this book will be of interest to students and scholars of European Politics and International Development.

About the Author:
Maurizio Carbone is Lecturer in the Department of Politics at the University of Glasgow, UK