The Implementation of the Defence and Security Procurement Directive

Johanna Strikwerda analyses the role of the Commission in the implementation phase of the Defence Directive in the article in the Journal of European Integration.

Abstract

When the member states of the European Union (EU) accepted the Defence and Security Procurement Directive, the expectation was that they would be able to retain a substantial amount of autonomy. During the implementation process, however, the members accepted the European Commission as a legitimate authority on how the Directive should be implemented. In this light, member states changed one specific policy issue, not addressed in the Directive: their offset policy. Addressing the role of the Commission in the Common Security and Defence Policy, this paper analyses three separate cases and finds that a cost benefit analysis cannot explain why these member states complied with non-legally binding Guidance Notes issued by the Commission. The paper also explores the role of national civil servants seeking rule consistency and finds they acknowledged the authority of the Commission in prescribing new rules.

Full info

Johanna Strikwerda
Unexpected Compliance? The Implementation of the Defence and Security Procurement Directive 

Journal of European Integration
DOI: 10.1080/07036337.2018.1482288

Open Access (link)


 

Published June 12, 2018 10:41 AM - Last modified Jan. 30, 2022 2:08 AM