ABSTRACT
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).
