EUsammenhængen

EUsammenhængen is a term used in European studies to describe how the European Union maintains coherence across its policies, institutions, and member state interests. It refers to the alignment of objectives, instruments, and actions so that initiatives in one policy area reinforce others rather than contradict them. The concept encompasses both internal coherence among EU policies and external coherence in relations with non‑member countries and global actors.

The term is commonly used in analyses of policy making within the EU, including how the European Commission, the Council of the EU, and the European Parliament coordinate agendas, budgetary planning, and regulatory standards. It also covers the way member states implement EU rules, ensuring that national policy measures support common objectives rather than undermine them. EUsammenhængen thus links institutional arrangements, legislative processes, and administrative practices.

Key components often cited include institutional coordination, policy coherence for development, and alignment of economic, social, environmental, and energy policies. Mechanisms to promote it include impact assessments, the European Semester for economic monitoring, interinstitutional agreements, and the multiannual financial framework that ties together funding with policy goals. Cohesion policy and regional development funds are frequently discussed in relation to EUsammenhængen, as they test whether EU funds effectively support consistent objectives across regions.

Debates around EUsammenhængen focus on its practical impact, legitimacy, and complexity. Critics argue that pursuing strong coherence can constrain national autonomy or slow policy responses, while proponents see it as essential for maximizing EU added value and reducing policy conflicts. See also: EU cohesion policy, policy coherence for development, European Semester, subsidiarity, EU law.