The Open Method of Coordination: a New Policy Paradigm?

The open method coordination was presented at the Lisbon EuropeanCouncil as a new instrument in the range of European policies. The innovations aremanifold, in terms of both the objectives and the methods. Several elements suggestthat one should proceed with caution when assessing the impact of these changes;hence the strong methodological component in these interim conclusions. First of all, it is important to recognize the novelty factor is only relative. Secondly, despite the fairly uniform framework laid down is Lisbon, thevarious areas covered within the OMC are relatively heterogeneous. Likewise, analysis of the OMC must take into account its special features.Neither its efficiency nor its legitimacy should be measured according to traditionalEU policy parameters.