The European Union and the Digital Agenda: Advancing EU Integration on a Digital Plane

Mgr. Nikola Kožuljević

Diplomová práce

Abstract:

This thesis aims to examine how does the EU’s Digital Agenda for Europe (DAE) advance EU integration. Connectedly, it examines the effect of the DAE on European integration based on the neofunctionalist theoretical framework. Accordingly, major focus of this thesis is devoted to investigation, conceptualization and operationalization, of multiple spill-over effects, namely: functional, institutional and political spill-over as core integrative mechanism behind the EU integration. In order to achieve the purpose of the thesis and examine the integrative mechanism behind the DAE this thesis utilizes theory testing process-tracing as main methodological approach. The significance of this thesis resides in highlighting the contemporary enhancement of EU integration within a specific sector in the modern, digital environment. Consequently, it emphasizes the functional EU integration in sectoral and vertical dimensions hence also reinvigorating the neofunctionalist theoretical framework of EU integration. Additionally, this thesis presents the defined goals and priorities of DAE which by implementing planned actions aims to significantly change the socio-economic environment of Europe and greatly impact ordinary citizen lives.

Keywords

EU integration, neofunctionalism, spill-over mechanism, Europe 2020 Strategy, ICT, Digital Agenda for Europe

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 11. 5. 2015

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Obhajoba proběhla 4. 6. 2015
• Vedoucí: Mgr. Hubert Smekal, Ph.D.
• Oponent: PhDr. Zdeněk Sychra, Ph.D.

Masarykova univerzita

Fakulta sociálních studií

Magisterský studijní program / obor:
Politologie / European Politics (angl.)