Experimentalist Governance in the European Union

Experimentalist Governance in the European Union brings together a notable group of scholars from Europe and America to examine the theoretical foundations of the EU's innovative governance structure. The book posits that the EU's regulatory achievements, both within its borders and beyond, stem from a recursive process of framework rule-making and revision involving European and national actors across various policy areas. This governance model allows member states and EU institutions to collaboratively establish framework goals and performance metrics, while granting lower-level units the autonomy to pursue these objectives in their own ways.

In exchange for this flexibility, these units are required to provide regular performance reports and engage in peer reviews, comparing their outcomes with those of others working towards similar goals. This iterative process not only fosters accountability but also encourages the continuous revision of goals, performance measures, and decision-making procedures, incorporating insights from new participants deemed essential for comprehensive deliberation.

The editors' introduction outlines the key elements of this experimentalist governance model, contrasting it with traditional views of EU governance, particularly those based on principal-agent theories. The subsequent chapters delve into the model's relevance across significant policy domains, such as data privacy, financial regulation, and environmental protection. These contributions highlight the evolving nature of EU governance, revealing both the experimentalist tendencies in recent developments and the potential for reverting to more conventional governance approaches. The insights offered in this book are crucial for anyone interested in understanding the EU's role in contemporary governance beyond the nation-state.