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The Structure of Conflict over EU Chemicals Policy

Author

Listed:
  • Karl-Oskar Lindgren

    (Uppsala University, Sweden, Karl-Oskar.Lindgren@statsvet.uu.se)

  • Thomas Persson

    (Uppsala University, Sweden, Thomas.Persson@statsvet.uu.se)

Abstract

There is a lively academic debate over whether political cleavages in the European Union (EU) follow mainly territorial (national) or non-territorial (ideological) patterns. This article analyses the cleavages that structure the conflict over European chemicals policy, the so-called REACH system. Taking positions on this major policy as an empirical example, we test these competing theories on the nature of cleavages on environmental policy issues in the EU. We use data from an expert survey of more than 600 individuals to fulfil this aim. The results show that neither of the hypotheses is unequivocally supported. But the data indicate that cleavages based on non-territorial interests are much more important than territorial interests in explaining positions on REACH.

Suggested Citation

  • Karl-Oskar Lindgren & Thomas Persson, 2008. "The Structure of Conflict over EU Chemicals Policy," European Union Politics, , vol. 9(1), pages 31-58, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:eeupol:v:9:y:2008:i:1:p:31-58
    DOI: 10.1177/1465116507085956
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Steffen Hurka, 2013. "Changing the output: The logic of amendment success in the European Parliament’s ENVI Committee," European Union Politics, , vol. 14(2), pages 273-296, June.
    2. David M Willumsen, 2018. "The Council’s REACH? National governments’ influence in the European Parliament," European Union Politics, , vol. 19(4), pages 663-683, December.
    3. Johan Eriksson & Mikael Karlsson & Marta Reuter, 2010. "Technocracy, Politicization, and Noninvolvement: Politics of Expertise in the European Regulation of Chemicals," Review of Policy Research, Policy Studies Organization, vol. 27(2), pages 167-185, March.
    4. Arndt Wonka & Iskander De Bruycker & Dirk De Bièvre & Caelesta Braun & Jan Beyers, 2018. "Patterns of Conflict and Mobilization: Mapping Interest Group Activity in EU Legislative Policymaking," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 6(3), pages 136-146.

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