Multilevel perspective 

Main focus

What do the findings in WP1 and WP2 tell us about:

1. the delegation of powers to EU agencies and its limitations? In particular, are agencies (still) fit for purpose in today’s EU BFMP?

2. the suitability of soft law in view of the reception it has received at Member State level? Does selected Member States’ practice reveal that EU soft law manages to achieve its goal of ensuring the common, uniform and consistent application of EU law, or does it show risks of fragmentation?

3. the legal character of soft law in view of the reception it has received at Member State level? Has soft law in BFMP maintained its voluntary character or has it been hardened due to Member States’ law and practice, thereby reinforcing the regulatory powers of the EU?

4. the status of EU soft law at Member State level, depending on whether or not it is being and supervised by the competent authority of the Member State or by an EU agency / institution?

4. the multilevel relationships between the EU and its Member States and the balance between coordination and integration in BFMP?

5. the need for reforms of the institutional framework in the BFMP as it has resulted from the introduction of the ESFS and the subsequent creation of the BU.