LAUSR

This article argues that transgovernmental networks and epistemic communities have played an important role in contributing to the development of the EU’s internal security capabilities. The author analyzes the role and influence of these networks in three ways: (1) the circumstances under which these networks emerge, (2) the power and influence of these networks on EU member states, and (3) the constraints they face in seeking to operate effectively within their policy realm. Through examining the policy areas of outer space and intelligence sharing, which together comprise the backbone of the EU’s internal security capacity, this article sheds light on the role of informal networks in policy development. As the case studies show, strong epistemic communities can have a direct influence on policy outcomes, but decision-makers may ultimately transform the original policy goals to suit their own political preferences. By contrast, strong transgovernmental networks’ influence largely impacts the network itself in terms of bringing best practices closer in line, but sometimes this influence can spillover into actual policy outcomes, especially in the wake of a crisis.