State of the art in the study of EU agencies: the role of trust as a turning point

This chapter offers a detailed analysis of the increasing significance of European Union agencies (EAs) in the EU’s regulatory framework. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on agencification by discussing the origin, development, institutional design, and governance dimensions of EAs. It also provides an overview of the various policy fields and competences that EAs cover, and different ways of categorizing them. The chapter emphasizes the governance aspects examined, such as accountability, independence, and stakeholder participation in EAs, and highlights the need to examine the delegation of power process and its effects on levels of trust in EU agencies. Specifically, it explores ways of ensuring trust in agencies from political principals, the public, and stakeholders through imposed controls, less intrusive actions, and public support. Lastly, the chapter underscores the significance of further investigating the link between credible commitment and different dimensions of trust.