EU Agencies in the Security of Europe

Table of Contents

1. Frontmatter

2. 1. Introduction

   Ondřej Filipec, Katka Vavřinová

   Abstract

   This part is intended as an introduction to the monograph that explores the evolution and impact of European Union (EU) agencies in the security domain. The introduction briefly presents the topic and its relevance in research and presents the aims of the monograph, outlining the structure and rationale behind the selected approach. The research topic is put into the context of existing scientific literature and the ongoing debate on the EU agencies. The book itself is structured into three parts: the first part provides a theoretical background on EU institutions and the principal-agent model; the second part offers a comparative analysis of 13 EU security agencies; and the final part discusses the findings and future role of these agencies. The analysis focuses on the establishment, institutional structure, execution of powers, and responses to security challenges, highlighting the agencies’ indispensable role in enhancing EU security.

3. 2. Institutional Research in the Context of European Integration Theories

   Ondřej Filipec, Katka Vavřinová

   Abstract

   The first chapter deals with the research of institutions in the context of theories of European integration. The aim of this chapter is to provide readers with an overview of different theoretical approaches to European integration and their application to research on EU institutions. This chapter is structured into several parts that successively present the main theories of integration: federalism, functionalism, neo-functionalism, and new institutionalism. Each part focuses on the key concepts and arguments of individual theories and their importance for understanding the functioning of the EU institutions. The main findings of this chapter include the diversity of theoretical approaches to European integration, their historical development and their application to the analysis of EU institutions. This chapter highlights the importance of a theoretical framework for understanding the complex relationships and dynamics within European institutions.

4. 3. Principal–Agent as an Analytical Framework

   Ondřej Filipec, Katka Vavřinová

   Abstract

   This chapter focuses on the principal-agent concept as an analytical framework for examining relations between actors within the European Union. This chapter presents the basic premises of this concept, which is based on economic theory and is applied to relations between superiors (principals) and subordinates (agents). This chapter is structured into several parts, which successively present the basic background of the concept, research in this area, the delegation of powers in the EU and its limits, and key aspects such as information asymmetry, control mechanisms, and incentive structures. The main insights of this chapter include the importance of delegation of authority for the effective functioning of institutions, the risks associated with delegation, and the ways in which principals can control the behaviour of agents. This chapter also provides a unified analytical framework that will be used in other parts of the publication to analyse EU security agencies. This framework includes key areas of analysis such as causes of delegation, nature and extent of delegation, agency exercise of authority, information asymmetries, control mechanisms, and incentive structures.

5. 4. The Nature and Position of Agencies in the EU Structure

   Ondřej Filipec, Katka Vavřinová

   Abstract

   This chapter focuses on the nature and position of agencies within the structure of the European Union. This chapter provides a historical overview of the development of EU agencies, divided into three main periods (waves) and analyses their different types and functions. This chapter examines how agencies contribute to regulation and governance in various areas such as the internal market, security and defence, and justice and home affairs. Furthermore, this chapter deals with the classification of agencies according to their activities and decision-making powers, including regulatory, quasi-regulatory, and information/coordinating agencies. The main findings of this chapter include the importance of agencies for the effective functioning of the EU, their role in the decentralization of administration and regulation, and their contribution to ensuring the single market and security. This chapter also highlights the common features of agencies, such as management boards and executive directors, and their responsibility for transparency and accountability to EU institutions and Member States. This chapter provides a theoretical framework for understanding the dynamics and interactions between agencies and other EU institutions.

6. 5. Comparing CFSP Agencies: An Analysis of the SatCen, EUISS, and EDA

   Ondřej Filipec, Katka Vavřinová

   Abstract

   This chapter focuses on the comparison of three agencies operating under the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP): the European Satellite Center (SatCen), the European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS), and the European Defense Agency (EDA). This chapter analyses their origin, structure, delegation of powers, and main activities. SatCen provides geo-information support for security decision-making, EUISS focuses on strategic analysis and CFSP support, while EDA supports Member States in developing defence capabilities. This chapter highlights the differences in their legal basis, organizational structure, and degree of independence. Key insights include the importance of these agencies in strengthening the EU’s security architecture, their role in responding to security challenges such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and their contribution to European security and defence.

7. 6. The European Guardians: Europol, Eurojust, and Frontex

   Ondřej Filipec, Katka Vavřinová

   Abstract

   This chapter focuses on three key EU justice and home affairs agencies: The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol), The European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust), and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). This chapter analyses their origin, structure, delegation of powers, and main activities. Europol specializes in the fight against international crime and terrorism, Eurojust supports cooperation in criminal matters, and Frontex focuses on protecting the EU’s external borders. This chapter highlights the differences in their mandates, organizational structure, and operational capabilities. Key takeaways include the importance of these agencies to EU security, their role in responding to security challenges such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and their contribution to protecting European citizens. This chapter also examines issues of democratic accountability, control mechanisms, and cooperation between agencies and member states.

8. 7. CEPOL, EU-LISA, and ENISA: Shared Attributes and Collaborative Effort

   Ondřej Filipec, Katka Vavřinová

   Abstract

   This chapter focuses on three EU agencies: the European Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL), the European Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale Information Systems (EU-LISA), and the European Cyber Security Agency (ENISA). This chapter analyses their origin, structure, delegation of powers, and main activities. CEPOL specializes in the education and training of law enforcement personnel, EU-LISA manages extensive information systems in the area of justice and home affairs, and ENISA focuses on cyber security. This chapter highlights the common features of these agencies, such as their role in ensuring EU security, cooperation between agencies and Member States and their contribution to the European security architecture. Key takeaways include the importance of these agencies to the effective functioning of the EU, their role in responding to security challenges such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and their contribution to the protection of European citizens.

9. 8. European Values in the Security: EUAA, EIGE, FRA, and EMCDDA

   Ondřej Filipec, Katka Vavřinová

   Abstract

   This chapter focuses on the new priorities of European security values through four agencies: the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). This chapter analyses their origin, structure, delegation of powers, and main activities. The EUAA specializes in supporting Member States in the area of asylum policy, the EIGE focuses on the promotion of gender equality, the FRA monitors and promotes respect for fundamental rights, and the EMCDDA provides information and analysis on drugs and drug addiction. This chapter highlights the importance of these agencies for promoting European values, their role in responding to security challenges such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and their contribution to the protection of human rights and social justice in the EU.

10. 9. Comparing EU Agencies in the Area of Security

    Ondřej Filipec, Katka Vavřinová

    Abstract

    This chapter provides a systematic overview of the selected agencies explored in the previous chapter in the context of principal-agent theory. It compares the causes and nature of delegation, the scope of delegation and exercise of powers by the agencies, agency position in the system and information asymmetry, control mechanism and motivational structures and provides implications for the principal-agent theory and its application. Despite the fact that all EU agencies are unique, it was possible to derive several common features that have implications for the principal-agent theory. Notably the complexity of multiple principals in the environment, the presence of information asymmetry and expertise, the need of flexible delegation and autonomy, the issue of accountability, or the need for adaptability to the fast changing environment.

11. 10. The Future of EU Agencies: Stronger Together?

    Ondřej Filipec, Katka Vavřinová

    Abstract

    The previous chapter dealt with the comparison of EU security agencies. This chapter is structured into four sections that focus on different aspects of these agencies in terms of future challenges. First, there are analysed challenges linked to the environment, in which agencies operate. This environment is characterized by an ongoing security crisis and the implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Second, there are challenges associated with the EU institutional structure including the politicization of the agenda and EU governance. Third, there is a focus on the agencies themselves, especially in terms of legitimacy and accountability. Finally, this chapter discusses the possible future of the EU agencies in the context of the mentioned challenges.

12. 11. Conclusion

    Ondřej Filipec, Katka Vavřinová

    Abstract

    This chapter serves as a conclusion to the book. It summarizes key findings and answers research questions. Notably, it focuses on the findings related to (1) conditions in the establishment of the 13 EU agencies in the area of security; (2) institutional structure of the agencies and its implications; (3) execution of powers and the agenda; and (4) the response of the agencies to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This chapter concludes by suggesting areas for further research related to EU agencies, notably the impact of digital transformation on EU agencies or interagency cooperation and coordination, both in the context of accountability and oversight mechanisms.

13. Backmatter