AN EVER CLOSER FUSION - A DYNAMIC MACROPOLITICAL VIEW ON INTEGRATION PROCESSES

To explain the evolution of the EU, a macropolitical approach using ov erall aggregate data is taken. Four dynamic views are tested: the neof unctional/neofederal assumption of linear growth; the realist view of decline; the governance/pendulum view of cyclical up and down; and the fusion thesis view of structural growth and differentiation. The arti cle uses five indicators: binding outputs; scope enlargement of public policies; transfer of competencies; institutional growth and procedur al differentiation; and involvement of intermediary groups in channels of influence. The data point to trends of merging public resources at several state levels, leading to increasing complexities, a lack of t ransparency and difficulties in reversing the development. This ever c loser fusion is explained as a dynamic product of rational strategies of European welfare states faced with growing interdependencies and sp illovers, furthered by the institutional logics of EU bodies. Criticiz ed for the lack of legitimacy and the entailing of national democratic constitutions, this new polity may be perceived as a new stage in the evolution of European states and - more open to critical debate - a n ovel form of representative government.