EU Policy Agenda Formation

This book investigates the formation of the EU policy agenda, focusing on digitalisation. It presents theoretical approaches to agenda-setting and examines how they are shaped by multiple actors and factors across different governance levels. The study highlights the key role of EU Member States (MSs) in shaping the agenda through the EU institutions. Special emphasis is placed on the internal factors influencing national positions. The research centres on Germany’s influence on the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, exploring how its national AI priorities are formed through diverse actors and channels. The analysis evaluates Germany’s evolving position, considering industry, social groups, international factors, and trade-offs, between social concerns and economic opportunities. The study discusses key AI-related concerns and future policy prospects.