ABSTRACT
Deliberative and participatory procedures are part and parcel of European public administration. This is to a great extent due to the influence of European law. European environmental law, in particular, has been a pioneer of participatory administration. Accordingly, deliberative and participatory procedures should also form the backbone of European administrative practice. However, even with regulations in place, the success of deliberative and/or participatory procedures depends in practice on attitudes, administrative structures, management approaches and civil service hierarchies. As shown by the administrative science literature, these elements are often lacking at the national level. This chapter argues that positive attitudes and administrators who appreciate participatory administration may be fostered by rules that lay out clear participation procedures. Clearly codified rights of the public ensuring their involvement in administrative decision-making may also promote involvement and further engagement of the civil service with the public.
