The Analytical Framework: Design of the Empirical Study

Abstract

The null hypothesis, challenged here, is that competences delegated to the Commission remain limited to the Copenhagen enlargement context as institutionally designed. The general hypothesis derived from the theoretical framework is that the successful implementation of policies in the Copenhagen framework creates functional pressure for further integration (necessary condition) but that only if member state governments do not expect political spillover to ensue, they will tolerate an extension of the Commission’s action capacity (sufficient condition).