New Modes of Governance in Europe: Governing in the Shadow of Hierarchy

Abstract

The contributors to this volume define governance as a specific mode of production of norms and public goods created via co-production; where the co-producers transcend different levels in Europe's multi-level polity. These 'new' forms of governance reflect the growing importance of public-private decision networks involving different levels and types of public authority. Such forms incorporate a new style of decision making that is heavily dependent on non-hierarchical and mutually-interdependent relationships along with a novel problem-solving style aimed at building consensus. Based on the research of the EU-6th framework funded research consortium on 'New Modes of Governance in the European Union', this volume explores the roots, execution and applications of the new forms of governance and evaluates their success. It also examines the possible structural consequences of the application of these modes at European and national levels, and their implications for democratic accountability.