European Union Agencies and the Security of Europe: Challenges of Institutional Cooperation in the Agent-Principal Context

Bc. Katka VAVŘINOVÁ

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This thesis provides a comprehensive analysis of the cooperation of selected EU agencies with other EU institutions to identify potential challenges in this area. In order to adress this objective, an analytical framework within the principal-agent concept has been developed, which was adapted to the complexity of the EU environment. This framework is applied to three specific agencies: the European Defense Agency (EDA), the EU Satellite Center (SatCen), and the European Institute for Security Studies (EUISS). These agencies are analyzed because of their unique position within the CFSP, aspects of which are also addressed. For a truly comprehensive analysis, the debate on the delegation of powers within the EU, particularly in the context of EU agencies, is approached, including the limitations imposed by the Meroni Doctrine and its recent developments. The thesis contributes to a better understanding of the functioning of these CFSP agencies and their interaction with other EU institutions, while identifying the key factors that influence the effectiveness and transparency of their activities in the context of the CFSP. This analysis is supported by a comparative method and theoretical framework that allows the application of the PA concept to the complex EU structure and offers a new perspective on the institutional dynamics within the EU, providing a unique multidisciplinary political-legal approach in its overall perspective.

Abstract:

This thesis provides a comprehensive analysis of the cooperation of selected EU agencies with other EU institutions to identify potential challenges in this area. In order to adress this objective, an analytical framework within the principal-agent concept has been developed, which was adapted to the complexity of the EU environment. This framework is applied to three specific agencies: the European Defense Agency (EDA), the EU Satellite Center (SatCen), and the European Institute for Security Studies (EUISS). These agencies are analyzed because of their unique position within the CFSP, aspects of which are also addressed. For a truly comprehensive analysis, the debate on the delegation of powers within the EU, particularly in the context of EU agencies, is approached, including the limitations imposed by the Meroni Doctrine and its recent developments. The thesis contributes to a better understanding of the functioning of these CFSP agencies and their interaction with other EU institutions, while identifying the key factors that influence the effectiveness and transparency of their activities in the context of the CFSP. This analysis is supported by a comparative method and theoretical framework that allows the application of the PA concept to the complex EU structure and offers a new perspective on the institutional dynamics within the EU, providing a unique multidisciplinary political-legal approach in its overall perspective.

Keywords

European Union, Principal-agent concept, EU agencies, Common Foreign Security Policy, European integration, EDA, EUISS, SatCen, EU institutions, Meroni doctrine, Delegation of powers

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 31. 7. 2024

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Mgr. et Mgr. Ondřej Filipec, Ph.D.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Law

Master programme / field:
European Law and EU Policies / European Law and EU Policies