OPEN METHOD OF COORDINATION AND EUROPEAN COOPERATION OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

The theoretical 3-level model used to analyse the Open Method of Coordination belongs to a “rational” view of the international cooperation. Although considered to be a far too simplistic framework to be able to accurately describe a highly complex phenomenon, it does justice to the idea that actors have predetermined preferences in specific areas and they systematically act in order to achieve those priorities within the constraints of an institutional system. According to this hypothesis, the OMC has been analysed by breaking the process down into three stages (i.e. the influence of the internal structure, the intergovernmental negotiation model and the institutional choice). Detailed theories have been used to describe each stage (e.g. neoliberalism, neorealism, neofunctionalism, institutionalism), but also abiding by the overall rational context. In conclusion, these elements will be amassed in order to create a comprehensive explanation of this complex phenomenon.

Keywords

• intergovernmentalism
• policy-making
• OMC
• EU