Changing EU Governance: a New Opportunity for the Scottish Executive?

Abstract: New developments in EU governance that may have an impact on subnational authorities have not yet been adequately covered by research into multi-level governance. This paper examines the role of the Scottish Executive1 in a traditional EU policy area, the Structural Funds, and in a 'new' mode of governance, the Open Method of Coordination in Employment. Looking at the policy, polity and politics dimensions of governance, it concludes that the OMC cannot yet be seen as a new opportunity for the Scottish Executive to play a greater role in European policy making.