ABSTRACT
The European Union has a considerable problem with the consistency of its policies. 1 This problem has become more intricate over time for several reasons. First, the number of policy areas where the Union has competences has increased. Second, the number of areas where the Union and the Member States have joint responsibility has increased. Third, the targets of policies have tended to become more detailed, the instruments more diversified and the potential impact stronger. Fourth, the diversity of the Member States has increased with the various waves of enlargement.
