ABSTRACT
Option “D” may emerge when (1) the political establishment declares that coherence with
the EU is not a priority, and that a different national interest exists. (2) Publicly they may
even raise slogans that stress national interest and the threat of losing independence, thus
explaining the rejection of reform initiatives and justifying these exceptional positions
through the public voice. (3) However, they may create new institutions in order to get
access to the EU funds but (4) relevant institutions and policy measures rather support
already existing establishments instead of structural reforms. This is de-Europeanization.
2.2 Research Questions and Methods
