The New Intergovernmentalism: E uropean Integration in the Post‐Maastricht Era

Abstract The post‐ M aastricht period is marked by an integration paradox. While the basic constitutional features of the E uropean Union have remained stable, EU activity has expanded to an unprecedented degree. This form of integration without supranationalism is no exception or temporary deviation from traditional forms of E uropean integration. Rather, it is a distinct phase of E uropean integration, what is called ‘the new intergovernmentalism’ in this article. This approach to post‐ M aastricht integration challenges theories that associate integration with transfers of competences from national capitals to supranational institutions and those that reduce integration to traditional socioeconomic or…