ABSTRACT
Scholars in comparative welfare studies agree that the various European Union (EU) level social policy instalments together have a considerable impact on Member States. This has raised questions about the mechanisms by which the different modes of governance in EU social policy function. Recently there has been considerable interest in how the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) a soft and non-binding mode of governance operates and how it influences Member States. In order to understand whether, and if so, how there has been self-governance within the OMC social policy committees. Socialization in the committees is primarily consensus-based, which confirms the findings in the literature on EU working groups. In addition, the delegates have the possibility to self-govern within the committees, by developing common perceptions of policy problems and defining European solutions. They do this on the basis of their own expertise and knowledge and also taking account of academic work.
