Leiden University Student Repository

Nagy, Éva (2024)

Redistributive Capacities of the European Commission: Legal and Institutional Perspectives During the COVID-19 Crisis

Bachelor thesis | International Studies (BA)

This thesis examines how the European Commission strategically used European Union law to enhance its redistributive powers during the COVID-19 crisis. The research focuses on two key initiatives, the Vaccine Strategy and its later institutionalised version in HERA, and the Recovery and Resilience Facility, which constituted a shift in the Union’s approach to crisis management. This is demonstrated by the European Commission's assertiveness in the crisis response, which covered areas, like public health and fiscal policy, typically reserved for national sovereignty. In this thesis, I have examined both of these initiatives from legal and institutional perspectives. Firstly, I argue that these mechanisms combine both hard and soft law instruments. This is done by balancing, on the one hand, precision, binding law instruments, judicial control, and accountability with, on the other hand, taking into account national priorities and the role of national actors. While the procurement...Show moreThis thesis examines how the European Commission strategically used European Union law to enhance its redistributive powers during the COVID-19 crisis. The research focuses on two key initiatives, the Vaccine Strategy and its later institutionalised version in HERA, and the Recovery and Resilience Facility, which constituted a shift in the Union’s approach to crisis management. This is demonstrated by the European Commission's assertiveness in the crisis response, which covered areas, like public health and fiscal policy, typically reserved for national sovereignty. In this thesis, I have examined both of these initiatives from legal and institutional perspectives. Firstly, I argue that these mechanisms combine both hard and soft law instruments. This is done by balancing, on the one hand, precision, binding law instruments, judicial control, and accountability with, on the other hand, taking into account national priorities and the role of national actors. While the procurement mechanism within HERA did not significantly expand the Commission's powers, the RRF did considerably. Although this development might seem limited due to the Facility's temporary nature, it suggests an increased potential for similar permanent frameworks in the future, with a significant role played by the Commission. Secondly, the thesis challenges the argument that the novelties are the result of the COVID-19 crisis. Although the pandemic was undoubtedly an exogenous shock, it cannot be regarded as a critical juncture. Alternatively, I argue that these mechanisms are built upon previous frameworks, and thus are the result of gradual change. Nevertheless, its significance in triggering European-level solidarity, opening up future possibilities for increased competencies for the Commission, and expanding the Union’s range of economic policies is unquestionable.Show less

Author

Nagy, Éva

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Europe

Supervisors

Wolff, S.

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en