The Community Method, the EU’s “default” operating system

In this synthesis Renaud Dehousse takes a fresh look at an issue addressed in a number of articles published by Notre Europe – Jacques Delors Institute on the Community method and the development of Europe’s institutional system.

After discussing the reasons frequently put forward for arguing that the Community model is in a critical condition, it offers an alternative interpretation of the situation, viewing the Community method as a form of governance “by default” to which member states regularly resort, however many reservations they may harbour in its regard, when they find themselves forced to cooperate.