The EU Treaties create a clear presumption for transparency and access to information which is assumed to lead to increased citizen participation. In reality, opposition seems to exist. The ‘Transparency in the EU – From Reaction to Manifesto?’ (TrUE, funded by the Academy of Finland 2017-2021) project aims to break down the practices assigned to ‘transparency’, in particular in regard to ‘participation’ and ‘efficiency’ in the EU. It will critically investigate the promise invested in transparency both on a theoretical (What does the nexus between transparency and participation imply?) and a practical level (Does it work as it should? Is it changing?).
The workshop concentrates on the methodological aspects of the TrUE project. It brings together some of the key authors on transparency in the EU. and the TrUE team to discuss their methodological choices. The workshop is organised in collaboration with the UEF Law School, the European University Institute and the Helsinki Socio-Legal Initiative (HSLI).
The event is open to all. Kindly register by filling this form.
All are welcome!
Programme
Day 1 – Thursday 22 March 2018
Morning Session – Room P545
10:00-10:15 Opening Remarks, Päivi Leino-Sandberg (University of Helsinki)
10:15-11:00 On researching for Democratic Decision-Making in the EU: Technocracy in Disguise? (Routledge 2013), Anne Elizabeth Stie (University of Agder)
11:00-11:30 Coffee break
11:30-12:15 On researching for Living Transparency. The Development of Access to Documents in the Council of the EU and its Democratic Implications (University of Amsterdam 2017), Maarten Hillebrandt (Bielefeld University)
12:15-13:00 On researching for Deliberation behind Closed Doors. Transparency and Lobbying In the European Union (ECPR Press 2007) and Unveiling the Council of the EU. Games Governments Play in Brussels (Palgrave 2008), Daniel Naurin (University of Oslo)
13:00-14:00 Lunch (invitation only)
Afternoon Session – Room P417
14:00-14:30 Theory as a tool for studying transparency & participation in EU law: pros and cons? Päivi Neuvonen (University of Helsinki)
14:30-15:00 The teleology of transparency – constituting the institutions of public opinion, Vesa Heikkinen (University of Helsinki)
15:00-15:30 The intersections of transparency, efficiency and quality of legislation, Daniel Wyatt (University of Helsinki)
15:30-16:00 Action research, Päivi Leino-Sandberg (University of Helsinki)
Day 2 – Friday 23 March 2018
Morning Session – Room P545
10:00-10:45 What I have learned from researching transparency and on the challenges ahead, Deirdre Curtin (European University Institute)
10:45-11:15 Coffee break
11:15-12:00 Interviews as a means to bring transparency to litigation objectives, Hans-W Micklitz (European University Institute and University of Helsinki)
12:00-13:00 Interviewing lawyers, Päivi Leino-Sandberg (University of Helsinki) and Emilia Korkea-aho (University of Eastern Finland and University of Helsinki)
13:00-14:00 Lunch (invitation only)
Afternoon Session – Room P545
14:00-14:30 Transparency’s metaphorical promise, Ida Koivisto (University of Helsinki)
14:30-15:00 Arguing transparency in the CJEU: points of law raised by intervening Member States, Liisa Leppävirta (University of Helsinki)
15:00-15:15 Closing Remarks, Päivi Leino-Sandberg (University of Helsinki)