Roughly speaking we can distinguish between two types of study of the

Nordic countries. One tradition emphasizes their inherent similarities

and seeks to identify a significant Nordic model. The other tradition

dwells on the differences between the countries. In this chapter we will

examine both these traditions and ask whether adaptation to the EU

takes place within established administration regimes, or whether it

represents a fundamental break with the past, involving profound

changes to the administrative models of the Nordic countries. Our

conclusion is that the administrations adapt within robust and stable

organizational forms. The fundamental formal administrative models

remain firm while at the same time significant changes take place in

administrative work (Lægreid 2001b, Christensen 2002, Olsen 2002b,

Marcussen and Ronit 2003).