Suni, A-VE;
(2016)
The political power of frames - the forging of a single energy market.
Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London).
Abstract
This thesis explores the drivers of substantive integration in European energy policy. Despite a common energy policy being on the European agenda since the 1950s, little substantive integration has taken place. However, recently, there has been change in one critical policy issue. Energy networks were effectively separated from other parts of the energy supply chain in a set of Directives, passed in 2009. A group of member states, including France and Germany, opposed these policy measures initially. However, the member states changed their positions during deliberations over the third European energy package. Given that the sector has long remained in the national remit due to entrenched interests, long-term government intervention as well as norms of energy as a ‘public service’ and a matter of national security, this change poses the following puzzle: what explains substantive integration in EU energy policy when material, historical and normative factors militate against change? My research question is the following: what explains change in member states’ policy positions in European energy policy? To address my research question, I propose a supranational theory in which the European Commission’s rhetorical action plays a key role in driving change in European energy policy. The findings of the EC’s ‘top-down’ action may potentially explain supranational entrepreneurship beyond EU energy policy. My supranational framework builds on liberal intergovernmental premises according to which aggregated national-level preferences and credible commitments of member states are key factors in EU integration.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Title: | The political power of frames - the forging of a single energy market |
| Event: | UCL (University College London) |
| UCL classification: | UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL SLASH |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1478237 |
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