EU policy is an important topic of discussion in the Netherlands. Together with 26 other EU member states, the Dutch government is trying to assert its interests in the creation of laws and regulations in Europe. Part of this development is the so-called policy-making phase, in which the European Commission develops topics on the agenda into policy proposals.
The Policy and Operations Evaluation Department (IOB) of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs in commissioned European Impact to conduct research into the scientific literature available on influencing the policy-making phase at the European Commission. Drs. Marije Cornelissen and Dr. Vasilis Karakasis were responsible for conducting a literature review on this step in the EU policy process.
Their research, together with four other studies on the EU policy process, has now been published on the IOB website. In their report, Cornelissen and Karakasis identify the various elements that can influence policymaking. They conclude that the early involvement of a wide range of policymakers and other actors, both at national and EU level, can be an effective way to influence policy formulation. They also cite cooperation between the government and the opposition, for an unambiguous position, cooperation with other member states, sufficient manpower and a strategic choice of consultation instruments as important insights.
The report, formally titled 'Sub-study - Literature review phase Policymaking', can be downloaded here (Dutch only). The other sub-studies from this study can also be foundon the IOB website.
The final IOB evaluation can be found here.
