News
EU-capitals evaluate Barroso Commission
May 6, 2009. The European Policy Institutes Network (EPIN), of which CESP is a member, published a working paper evaluating the Barroso Commission's term in office (2004-09 ) based upon views from the national EU-capitals. The contribution on The Netherlands was edited by CESP-senior fellow Mendeltje van Keulen. The study discusses national perceptions of a weaker European Commission, lacking political leadership and losing importance vis-à-vis the member states.
The dominant perception is that, as the Commission increasingly anticipates national positions and takes these into account at the preparatory level, it is no longer the institution that seeks the higher standards of 'Community interest'. This may well be the role for the newly empowered European Parliament. The most important failure is regarded the inability to respond effectively to the financial and economic crisis. The Commission’s actions were largely viewed as "too little too late". At the same time the Barroso Commission’s greatest and uncontested success is the adoption of the Climate and Energy Package.
The paper can be found here.