The Rise of European Administrative Space: Lessons Learned

Despite advances in contemporary research on the ‘European administrative space’ (EAS), no widespread understanding about its meaning, mechanisms and significance yet exists. This contribution offers a comprehensive conceptualization of EAS and takes stock of accumulated lessons learned. The development of EAS can be understood as a process of institutionalization of common administrative capacity at a ‘European level’. The contribution suggests that the rise of EAS can be analytically grasped in terms of three analytical dimensions: independence; integration; and co-optation. Taken together, these dimensions seem to capture central aspects of the integration of public administration in Europe.