The Expert-Executive Nexus in the European Administrative System: Expert Groups and the European Commission

Abstract

The European administrative system is characterized by an interpenetration of different levels of government and multiple connections between the European Commission (Commission), European agencies, national and subnational administrations, and a range of non-state actors. Part of these administrative capacities involves the extensive use of specialized expertise in various stages and institutions at European level. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in the structure of EU committees and particularly in the set of expert groups under the Commission. This organized system of consultative connections constitutes a large system for preparing and implementing policies and a main organized nexus between outside experts and the EU executive.