Regression

This fourth empirical chapter deals with regression as a crisis outcome category. Regression suggests a reduction of the system in such a way that it no longer fulfills the same functions after a crisis as compared to before. In practice, this means that member states fail to find a common response to the challenges faced and that previous features, principles, and objectives of European integration are given up. The two cases representing regression are the oil crisis (1973–1974) and the migration crisis (2015–2016). They were triggered by exogenous events outside the European polity. With member-state interdependence fairly low, France–Germany provided little political leadership regarding crisis resolution. Most studies covering these crises suggest “standstill” or “no integration” as crisis outcomes. This book, by contrast, taking a political approach to integration, demonstrates that the EU system was considerably weakened as a result of the two crises.