Towards an integrated European development policy?

Tessa Isabel VAN BEUSEKOM

Master's thesis

An analysis of the contribution of Dutch politicians to the emergence of a European development policy from 1973 to 1977

Comparison of Dutch and European development policy

Abstract:

From 1957, the European Economic Community (EEC) established an official relationship with its overseas countries and territories which evolved into a partnership with an increasing network of developing countries. Despite its reluctant attitude towards the EEC's cooperation with developing countries, the Netherlands collaborated with European partners to work towards a joint European policy. In 1973, Jan Pronk, an inspired Minister of Development Cooperation introduced structural changes in Dutch development policy. This thesis sought to find out how Minister Pronk tried to influence European policy and whether he was supported by Dutch members of the European Parliament and fellow European Ministers. After a general overview of the EEC's decision-making process and the European and Dutch development policy, this thesis addresses the question how Dutch politicians, who were active in the field of development cooperation, tried to promote coordination within the emergence of a common European development policy between 1973 and 1977. Next to their position within the European decision-making process, their personal actions and resources are analyzed to see how they functioned. The results show that despite that some Dutch Parliamentarians advocated for their national Minister on the European level, disappointment with the progress towards a common European policy dominated. A more integrated European development policy was not feasible in the short term and Pronk's ambitious policy proved difficult to harmonize with the wishes of the other Member States.

Abstract:

From 1957, the European Economic Community (EEC) established an official relationship with its overseas countries and territories which evolved into a partnership with an increasing network of developing countries. Despite its reluctant attitude towards the EEC's cooperation with developing countries, the Netherlands collaborated with European partners to work towards a joint European policy. In 1973, Jan Pronk, an inspired Minister of Development Cooperation introduced structural changes in Dutch development policy. This thesis sought to find out how Minister Pronk tried to influence European policy and whether he was supported by Dutch members of the European Parliament and fellow European Ministers.

Keywords

Development policy, European integration, Decision-making, Self-reliance, Developing countries, Developed countries, Intergovernmentalism, Pressure politics.

Jazyk práce: English

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 1. 8. 2018

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Vedúci: Mgr. Hynek Melichar, Ph.D.

PALACKÝ UNIVERSITY OLOMOUC

Faculty of Arts

Master programme / odbor:
Humanities / Euroculture