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EU Legislation to Reduce Carbon Emissions from Cars: Intergovernmental or Supranational Policy Making?
Author(s) -
Gulbrandsen Lars H.,
Christensen Anne Raaum
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
review of policy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.832
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1541-1338
pISSN - 1541-132X
DOI - 10.1111/ropr.12100
Subject(s) - negotiation , intergovernmentalism , legislation , european union , international trade , phase (matter) , policy making , business , political science , member states , public administration , law , chemistry , organic chemistry
Abstract This article examines the making and implementation of the 2009 E uropean U nion ( EU ) regulation on cars and CO 2 emissions (Regulation [ EC ] No 443/2009). As the first legally binding measure to target the CO 2 emissions of passenger cars, this regulation represents a milestone in EU efforts to reduce the climate impacts of road transport. The analysis draws on two central theoretical perspectives on EU policy making: liberal intergovernmentalism and supranationalism. Both offer important insights, but their explanatory power varies with the policy‐making phase in focus. The analysis shows that the C ommission and the car industry were instrumental in shaping what eventually became an industry‐friendly regulation applicable in all EU countries. However, far from being a case of closed negotiations between the industry and the C ommission, G ermany and other EU countries defending the interest of manufacturers of high‐emission vehicles made use of their powers during the decision‐making phase and succeeded in watering down the C ommission's proposal.