How Robust Are Compliance Findings? A Research Synthesis

This study presents a synthesis of quantitative and qualitative research on compliance with EU directives. We identify and code 12 theoretical arguments tested in 37 published compliance studies and evaluate the robustness and representativeness of their findings. Our synthesis reveals robust findings for the 'goodness-of-fit' and 'institutional decision-making' arguments, while results on 'actors' policy preferences' and 'administrative efficiency' remain ambiguous. A closer examination of the studies' research design suggests policy and country selection effects. Specifically, most studies focus on environmental and social policies and rarely include complying Scandinavian states and non-complying Southern states. We therefore recommend a cautious interpretation of existing compliance findings and, for future compliance research, a more careful selection of countries and policy fields.