The Europeanisation of Domestic Opportunities for Movements:The Influence of NATURA 2000 on Anti-incinerator Campaigns in France

• Main Author: Darren McCauley
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: UACES 2010-08-01
• Series: Journal of Contemporary European Research
• Subjects: Europeanisation; Social movements; Political opportunity structures; French politics; Waste infrastructure; Biodiversity
• Online Access: http://jcer.net/index.php/jcer/article/view/234/230

Europeanisation research into social movements has focused on the emergence of political opportunity structures at the supranational level. This paper examines how movement actors are exploiting shifts in domestic opportunity structures caused by EU policy. Empirical evidence is drawn from qualitative interview data and document analysis on high profile anti-incinerator campaigns in France. Surprisingly, European legislation on waste incineration has not significantly influenced domestic opportunities. It is, however, revealed that EU policy on biodiversity proved decisive for understanding shifts in opportunity structures, and ultimately their role in contributing to movement campaigns in France. Several important lessons are discussed for future Europeanisation research into social movements.