Differentiated integration does not improve member state compliance

Abstract

Does differentiated integration improve member state compliance? Is it more effective in overcoming non-compliance than flexible implementation? The results of the study do not provide sufficient grounds for recommending the use of differentiated integration as an instrument to improve compliance with EU directives. Nor do they convincingly show that either differentiated integration or flexible implementation are preferable in a compliance perspective. The findings indicate that both differentiated integration and flexible implementation serve primarily to facilitate intergovernmental and interinstitutional agreement in decision-making on EU legislation – but do not make a systematic difference for compliance.