Abstract
This entry explores the old neo-functionalist claim on loyalty transfer (Ruggie et al. 2005). It argues that supranationalism may be due to processes of both dynamics of socialization and organizational design. The transformative effects of the Commission are assessed by the extent to which Commission staff adopt a supranational role perception (actor-level supranationalism). Actor-level supranationalism may strengthen the autonomy of the Commission vis-à-vis member-state governments, enabling the Commission’s to upgrade common interests, to make co-ordinated decision-making processes and curtailing inter-departmental conflicts. To illustrate the argument, we use seconded Commission officials (SNEs) as a least-likely case of actor-level supranationalism. They represent a least likely case because they are less strongly embedded and into exposed to the Commission compared to permanent Commission officials.
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Jarle Trondal
In: Elgar Encyclopedia of European Law
Andrea Biondi and Oana Ștefan (eds.)
Edward Elgar Publishing (2026)
ISBN: 9781800885233