The Politics of OPT

Abstract

This chapter proposes to analyse the logic underlying the adoption of the OPT measure. The objective is to identify vested interests aligned in reaction to CEECs’ opening up. Enshrining into lawsuch an apparently anodyne mechanism – consisting as it does in discriminating between the imports of local producers and the ‘re-imports’ resulting from the relocation strategies of Community producers – has actually given rise to a complex bargaining process. Debate has revolved around the longrunning opposition between the advocates of protection and those who are favourable to free trade. It has involved numerous actors, and has taken place in various arenas: within domestic constituencies, between firms, federations of industry and labour unions, and at the European level, between virtually the same actors plus confederations of industries and of labour, member states and institutions of the Community participating in legislation-making at EU (Commission) level.