'You can't have one without the other': the differential impact of civil society strength on the implementation of EU policy. Issue 7 (3rd July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schrama, Reini; Zhelyazkova, Asya
• Is Part Of: Journal of European public policy. Volume 25:Issue 7(2018)
• Page Start: 1029
• Page End: 1048
• Publication Date: 2018-07-03
• Subjects: Civic participation -- civil society -- EU policy -- interest intermediation -- policy implementation; European Union countries -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Political planning -- European Union countries -- Periodicals; Politique publique -- Pays de l'Union européenne -- Périodiques; Pays de l'Union européenne -- Politique et gouvernement -- Périodiques; 361.61094
• DOI: 10.1080/13501763.2018.1433709
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-1763

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The importance of civil society in policy-making is twofold; civil society organizations (CSOs) monitor government performance and mediate between citizens and the state to ensure proper implementation. In this study, we analyse the effects of two aspects of civil society (civic participation and CSO consultation) on member states' implementation of European Union (EU) policy. The analysis is based on a novel dataset of practical implementation in 24 member states. Our findings reveal that the combination of high levels of civic participation and routine CSO consultations improves policy implementation. Furthermore, the effect is conditional on states' bureaucratic capacity to accommodate societal interests regarding the EU directives. The results indicate a paradox; civil society is not effective in countries with low bureaucratic capacity, where civil society is needed most to improve government performance.