Introduction

Abstract

The main point of this book is that issues drive the policy process. Traditionally, research in political science views policy choices as resulting from factors that are distinct from the issues under consideration. This book turns the argument around. Policy issues are inherently complex and ambiguous. How to evaluate policy alternatives often remains contentious. The framing of policy issues affects the processing of political interests and ideas and their expression in policy choices. What policy makers perceive to be at stake in a policy issue at a particular time affects the political alignment of actors and the conflict and consolidation of interests in the policy process. Political actors seek to control the flow and structure of policy issues, because issues are the currency of politics. At a time when framing arguments are attracting increasing attention in policy research, this book provides the first comprehensive study of policy framing in the EU. It introduces the conceptual and theoretical tenets of framing analysis and shows how this analytical lens can offer a unique perspective on current issues in the study of EU legislative politics and policy making.