The EU’s competences: The ‘vertical’ perspective on the multilevel system

"The EU’s competences: The ‘vertical’ perspective on the multilevel system"

Arthur Benz and Christina Zimmer

	Abstract
1	Introduction: On the contents and limits of this Living Review article
2	Normative theories: Criteria for competence allocation between member states and the EU
	2.1	Concepts of federalism
	2.2	Economic theory of federalism
	2.3	Subsidiarity principle and constitutional delimitation of powers
3	Empirical research: Explaining the transfer of competences from member states to the EU
	3.1	Functionalist theories
	3.2	Intergovernmentalist theories
	3.3	Neo-institutionalist theories
	3.4	Policy- and actor-centred approaches
	3.5	Results
4	Consequences: Shared competences and multilevel governance
5	Prospects for further research
	References