Synthesis - Balancing unity and diversity in composite legislative frameworks

This synthesis chapter unravels and assesses cross-cutting findings from the preceding sectoral chapters. Departing from the general finding that the division of authority between the EU and the Member States is fluid and oftentimes the subject of major uncertainties, the chapter first discusses how the constitutional principles of conferred powers, subsidiarity and proportionality shape legislation. Next, it explores which legislative strategies are adopted by the EU legislature to balance unity and diversity, including minimum/maximum harmonization; partial/exhaustive harmonization; open norms and proceduralization.