Building a Multi-Actor System

The previous chapter highlighted the role of public actors and institutions at the national and regional levels in the political system of the EU and the subsequent evolution of a multi-level system. This chapter will explore the role of non-state actors in European decision-making and policy implementation. The role of these actors and their associations ranges from ‘classical’ forms of interest representation and lobbying to advisory functions and direct participation in decision-making, including legislation in certain cases (Falkner et al. 2005; Coen and Richardson 2009; Greenwood 2011). Furthermore, non-state actors and organizations also perform various functions in the implementation of European policies at different government levels.