The Open Method of Coordination and integration theory: are there lessons to be learned?

摘要: This paper seeks to contextualize the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) and enrich our understanding it by submitting constructivist insights its policy assessment with a focus on Employment Strategy (EES). The most developed and longest-standing OMC policy area, employment provides fertile ground for assessment rapidly expanding theoretical perspective in IR and European integration applied growing process. Normative considerations as essence EU future trajectory were highly influential process launching OMC. The framework theory highlights particular contribution that ‘thin’ variant constructivism has made understanding different aspects politics. In next section, is discussed core characteristics identified. I claim most OMC’s core elements are directly linked assumptions about policy change. identifies three those, namely discourse, learning and participation policy-making. subject those an empirical theoretical assessment use relevant literature. Concluding record shows such mechanisms be hardly present Policy OMC, argue that institutionalist reading credible alternative focusing on power resources, preferences strategies available actors, namely member states Commission. concludes twofold argument: firstly, hopes are, at least current context, ill-founded. Secondly, while retains number advantages, practical policy suggestions will enhance appeal policy-makers public alike due before becomes option.