Collective Action in the European Union: Interests and the New Politics of Associability

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 238 pages
• Published by: Routledge
• Edition: 1st Edition January 13, 1998
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0415159741
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0415159746
• Book Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Weighs: 14.9 ounces

Product Description
Based on fresh empirical study, this book addresses fundamental questions surrounding the European political economy. An impressive array of contributors confront the issue of collective action at national and transnational levels.

Reader Reviews
Greenwood and Aspinwall join the growing number of authors dealing with interest groups on the European level. In their introduction they provide a useful overview of the EU's lobbying system. They argue that the system of interest representation is similar to the way interests interact with Washington. Although business interests dominate in Brussels (63% of all interest groups) non-profit groups do have a chance of exercising influence. As Cram points out in her contribution, the EU institutions themselves have encouraged lobbying and are active actors in the policy process and not just passive providers of a framework. They bring particular interest groups together and create policy networks. An interesting deviation from the usual emphasis on business groups is Young's discussion of consumer interest organisations. Similarly, Webster's analysis of the strategies of environmental groups offers interesting insights. All in all, the book presents an informative and balanced view of the challenges that private interest - both business groups and non-profit associations- face when acting at the EU level.