Theory and methods: how to explain the ambition of a supranational actor

The concept of supranational ambition is not new in EU integration theory. It is central to the theory of neo-functionalism that claims the Commission to be a self-interested and self-empowering actor that along the way drives EU toward more integration and supranationalisation. Other theories, especially liberal intergovernmentalism make different assumptions, especially when it comes to the Commission’s ability to influence any more substantial reform outcomes. The theory of new intergovernmentalism offered a direct response to the neo-functionalists by claiming that the Commission has, in new areas of EU activity such as migration and EU economic governance, moved away from the concept of self-interest and ever-growing, ever-closer Union. This claim, as it is the most novel theoretical claim about the Commission is the starting point of this book that is outlined in this chapter. The chapter unpacks the meaning of supranational ambition along both the focus and level of ambition, coming up with hypotheses that are tested in the book. Measuring ambition is difficult as it is not directly observable, and it is subject to different interpretations. This challenge is common in political science. The methods employed by the author are a mix of interviews with policymakers in Brussels who have had direct involvement with the Juncker Commission either from inside or outside (semi-structured elite interviews), an analysis of key Commission publications and proposals (desk research), and of the process through which they were defined and negotiated (process tracing). This gives more details about the methods and the justification of the six policy episodes that were assessed in the book.