The main theme of this book is the adaptation process of the new EU member states from Central-Eastern Europe (Hungary and Poland) to the multi-level system of governance in public policy, particularly in the regional and environmental policy areas. The work conceptualizes policy learning and institutional and policy adaptation within the EU system of governance and draws lessons from the experience of previous waves of enlargement-cohesion-countries (Ireland, Portugal and Greece). In doing so, the book makes an important contribution to the literature on the transformation of domestic policy-making structures, as a result of the increasing Europeanization of public policy, as well as on the conceptual tools, explanatory variables and mechanisms determining this process.

On entering the European Union in May 2005, new member states have been required to adapt to a multi-level system of governance in public policy. In doing so, it has been necessary for them to conceptualize learning, institutional and policy adaptation within the EU system of governance, and to draw lessons from the experience of previous enlargement waves. Through the lens of regional and environmental policy, this book provides an in-depth examination of the first enlargement group, comparing the results against the experience of the most recent EU member states. It makes an important contribution to the literature on the transformation of domestic policy-making structures as a result of the increasing Europeanization of public policy. Additionally, the book touches upon crucial aspects of the integration process in Europe, such as the impact of on governance structures, the enlargement process and the institutional prerequisites for achieving social and economic cohesion in both East and West Europe.