ABSTRACT
Regulatory networks have become an essential feature of the European administrative system. They have expanded EU administrative capacities and consolidated a pattern of multilevel implementation along sectoral cleavages. This article examines how networks develop and take effect when more crosscutting policy aims are to be implemented. It argues and demonstrates with a case study of the Common Implementation Strategy of the Water Framework Directive that vertical and cross-sectoral coordination can be institutionalized in a network, suggesting an innovative role of regulatory networks. Such coordination supplements and challenges the role of national policy coordination, both horizontally across sectors and vertically down to the domestic sub-national, river basin.
Notes
1 EU directive 60/2000/EC adopted in 2000
3 Interviews Water Director 1 & WG 4
4 Interview WG 1
5 Interview SCG 1
6 The term “water director” does not necessarily exist as a specific position in every MS, but refers to participants in that group.
7 Interview SCG 2
8 Interview SCG 3
9 Interview Commission 2
10 Interview Water director 3
11 Interview Commmision 3
12 Interview SCG 4
13 Interview Commission 2
14 Interview Commission 1
15 Interview Commsission 1
16 Interview Commission 1
17 Interview Commission 3