The role of working groups of Commissioners in coordinating policy implementation: the case of trans-European networks (TENs)

Analysis of the Commission's role in policy implementation has focused largely on the administrative rather than political level. Yet little attention has been paid to the importance of high-level Commission actors, such as Commissioners and Director-Generals at this stage. This article analyses the role of a working group (WG) of Commissioners in monitoring and co-ordinating the implementation of trans-European networks (TENs) in transport. It argues that formally institutionalized structures for intra-College co-operation provide important arenas for creativity, entrepreneurship and consensus-building. Ultimately, the consistent and sustained political involvement of Commissioners improves the Commission's administrative co-ordination and may, ultimately, help secure better policy implementation.