We appreciate the valuable comments given by Åse Gornitzka, Christer Gulbrandsen, Mathias Johannessen, Maria Martens, Neill Nugent, Ulf Sverdrup, Jarle Trondal, Frode Veggeland and two anonymous referees. An earlier version of the article was presented at the Institute of European Studies at the Universite Libre de Bruxelles, 11 February 2009. Thanks to the participants and, in particular, Veronique Dimier, on this occasion.
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The Denationalization of Cabinets in the European Commission
Article first published online: 12 AUG 2010
DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-5965.2010.02073.x
© 2010 The Author(s). Journal compilation © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
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How to Cite
EGEBERG, M. and HESKESTAD, A. (2010), The Denationalization of Cabinets in the European Commission. JCMS: Journal of Common Market Studies, 48: 775–786. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-5965.2010.02073.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 12 AUG 2010
- Article first published online: 12 AUG 2010
- Abstract
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Abstract
The cabinets of the European Commission are seen to play a crucial role in the policy-making process. So far, however, they have in many respects remained ‘black boxes’. In this article we ‘unpack’ the demographic composition in terms of nationality of three commissions' cabinets. The standard portrayal of cabinets has been that of national enclaves and points of access. Reforms during the period have required a more multinational composition. Our study shows that not only have the new rules been implemented: the new formal requirements have become over-fulfilled and increasingly so. In 2004, 96 per cent of the cabinets contained more nationalities than formally prescribed and 57 per cent of the personnel were non-compatriots of their respective commissioners. Based on studies of comparable phenomena, it is reason to believe that decomposition of a particular demographical cluster within an organizational unit reduces the impact of such demographical factors on officials' decision behaviour.