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The open method of coordination

5 important questions on The open method of coordination

We now turn to another way in which daily decision-making occurs in the European Union - namely, through 'new modes of governance' (NMGs) and, in particular, the open method of coordination (OMC). Why does the label 'new' might be considered misleading?

Because while a specific form of governance might be new to the European level, it may have existed for years at national or international level.

Furthermore, why are these NMGs not a homogeneous group?

Because they include a variety of policy-making instruments, such as framework directives, soft-law, co-regulation, partnership models, voluntary agreements, and the European Social Dialogue.

By the 1990s, the EU had reached the point at which the integration process was approaching core areas of national sovereignty for the welfare state, such as employment and social policy. Many actors considered what?

That further EU activity in these areas was necessary to balance the economic integration process, but member states nonetheless remained wary about yielding more sovereignty in these areas.

The OMC has now been introduced as a form of policymaking in various policy areas. However, there is no uniform OMC process, because different policy areas apply the method according to their particular circumstances. There are several factors explaining the variation in OMC processes, including which?

- Whether or not there is a (strong) treaty provision in the area of policy concerned;
- The role of the different institutions;
- The extent to which other actors can participate in the process;
- The existence of benchmarks, indicators, and targets;
- And the possibility of sanctions.