Why don't they play a more important role? Trade Unions and the European Integration Process

Abstract: This study discusses why trade unions at the European level do not play as an important role as early neofunctionalist theory (E.B. Haas) had foreseen. The study thereby provides a twofold answer, as both, the accuracy of the theory as such and the weaknesses of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) in particular, are problematised. Structurally, the research is conducted with the help of a research pattern that allows the comparison of five neofunctionalist core expectations with the actual state of trade union affairs. It further introduces the reader to ways in which trade unions are currently involved in a European social policy formation and interact with the European institutions and the business community. Outcome of the study is that a set of general shortcomings of Neofunctionalism causes the identified mismatch between Haas? predictions and todays actual trade union role, which to a high extent is limited by a variety of internal obstacles.