Implementation Problems in the EU. Analyzed with Principal-Agent Analysis

Abstract: This study analyzes the problems of implementation in the EU with the help of Principal-Agent Analysis. The focus of the study is the Principal-Agent relationship between the member states and the Commission, where the member states have delegated the task of enforcing EU law to the Commission. Four main problems are discussed and analyzed, and it is argued that these are the reasons for the problematic situation of lack of implementation of EU law. The four problems are the conflict of interest between the Commission and the member states, the lack of resources suffered by the Commission, the lack of deterrence in the sanctions offered by the Commission and the inability witnessed in the authorities of the member states. Evidence is given, in the form of implementation statistics and official opinions, to prove the reality of this problematic situation. The problematic situation is considered important by the author because it shortchanges actors in the EU of their rights under the law.