City Research Online

Reassessing the accountability of EU decentralized agencies: Mind the Independence Gap

Peers, S. & Costa, M. (2016). Reassessing the accountability of EU decentralized agencies: Mind the Independence Gap. European Public Law, 22(4), pp. 645-665.

Abstract

This article examines two recent developments to ensure accountability and independence of the EU’s decentralized agencies: the ‘Common Approach’ adopted by the EU’s political institutions, and the ESMA judgment on the validity of the rules delegating extensive power to an EU agency. The article argues that first of all, the Common Approach strengthens the accountability and independence of EU agencies, yet it is not being sufficiently implemented and as such it fails to mitigate the accountability and independence deficits inherent in EU agencies. Secondly, it argues that ESMA strengthens the independence of the EU’s financial authorities at the expense of failing to address the existing accountability problem. On the whole, these developments are disappointing and fall far short of ensuring a coherent and effective system for safeguarding the agencies’ accountability and independence.

Publication Type: Article
Additional Information: This is a pre-edited work and has been accepted for publisher in European Public Law
Publisher Keywords: Agencies, accountability, independence, legitimacy, delegation, Europol, Common Approach
Subjects: K Law > KZ Law of Nations
Departments: The City Law School > Academic Programmes
The City Law School > Institute for the Study of European Laws
[thumbnail of paper - agencies - accepted version November 17 final.pdf]
Preview
Text - Accepted Version
Download (185kB) | Preview

Export

Add to AnyAdd to TwitterAdd to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to PinterestAdd to Email

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics

Actions (login required)

Admin Login Admin Login