The limits of Europeanization: regulatory reforms in the Spanish and Portuguese telecommunications and electricity sectors

As said, we examine the impacts of Europeanization on both nations and sectors. First, we look at the Europeanization of governance as it is reflected at the level of the institutions of the state in Spain and Portugal and specifically in the role of the regulatory authorities, their autonomy and their relations with the ministries. Second, we analyse the Europeanization of markets as it is reflected in the processes of privatization and the creation of competitive and open environments within and across national borders. We suggest that, if ‘Europeanization matters’, then the creation of EU regimes will lead to: (a) the faster and smoother advance of liberalization than otherwise; (b) similar patterns of market integration and similar institutions of governance across the two countries; (c) varying degrees of liberalization depending on the extent to which the specific European regime promotes liberalization. Specifically, we may expect the lesser degree of delegation to the EU in electricity (intergovernmental regime) to be reflected in a lesser degree of market liberalization in electricity than in telecoms where delegation to the EU regime was more extensive (supranational regime); (d) a lesser degree of neo-mercantilism (promoting national champions and interests) with the advance of Europeanization; and (e) new strategies of internationalization of market operators, corresponding to the opportunities and constraints accompanying the progress of Europeanization. The methodology and research design that we adopt in examining the process of change in light of the above criteria is discussed in the next section of the paper

Welfare through regulatory means: eviction and repossession policies in Singapore*

The study and provision of welfare have long been synonymous with direct social spending. The provision of welfare through regulatory means poses a complementary perspective to the study of social policy. In this context, this paper focuses on policies aimed at preventing mortgage borrowers’ eviction and repossession in Singapore, a world leader in state-led owner occupancy but a welfare laggard in terms of social spending. The findings show a disparity between a high rate of arrears on housing credit, and a low level of eviction and repossession. We test several explanations for this disparity, and argue that it is the result of policy aiming to minimize eviction and repossessions. This policy is driven by institutional interdependencies within the state, which have tied citizens’ housing credit to other aspects of their individual welfare savings. The findings shed light on the central role of regulation in welfare

The Conundrum of Order: The Concept of Governance from an Interdisciplinary Perspective

The term governance has made an impressive career in a number of disciplines concerned with regulation, order and law. This chapter draws on insights from legal studies, sociology, political science, anthropology, history and geography to paint a multifaceted picture of existing, competing and complementing approaches to the concept of governance. For reasons of space, the chapter can but point to the different variations on a theme, as governance occupies an ambivalent place in past and present discourses on political (or, legal or economic) order and society. It is argued that beyond pointing to crucial phases of methodological and theoretical transformation within different disciplines such as the often perceived transition ‘from government to governance’, governance is itself a deeply interdisciplinary concept

Handbook on the politics of regulation

- Divulgação dos SUMÁRIOS das obras recentemente incorporadas ao acervo da Biblioteca Ministro Oscar Saraiva do STJ. Em respeito à Lei de Direitos Autorais, não disponibilizamos a obra na íntegra.- Localização na estante: 339.137:35.078.2 H236