ABSTRACT
European integration has introduced new and gradually intensified demands to the whole spectrum of public administration. Previous research has shown that almost all policy areas are affected by EU regulation, albeit to varying degrees (Blom-Hansen and Grønnegård Christensen 2003). The national executive — and hence the administration — is involved in all parts of the EU policy cycle (Kassim 2003), and thus is actively undertaking downloading and uploading activities (see the Introduction to this volume). National civil servants give expert advice when policies are drafted. They represent one decision-maker out of 27 when policies are adopted. In the final stages of the policy cycle, they implement decisions and respond when national compliance is evaluated. In fulfilling these responsibilities, the national administration plays a key role. The public administration constitutes a key actor concerning all parts of EU affairs, as it delivers expert advice, decides under flexible mandates and implements our EU obligations.
