NUDGING AS A TOOL: THE CASE OF THE TRANSPOSITION OF EU DIRECTIVES

Abstract

Member States transposing Directives can choose the methods for such transposition but should elect such practices which are best suited to ensure the attainment of the Directive’s goals. Notwithstanding the fact that a legislative act is needed in order to transpose EU law into national law, the goals addressed by the directive can often be attained through the use of “nudges”. The efficacy they reveal comes, some will argue, with the downside of some ethical and political concerns, namely concerning transparency in the relationship between citizens and representatives. Also, nudges can be seen as contrary to the principle of proportionality, especially if they induce individuals to act in a way that is contrary to fundamental rights and freedoms. Nudges can be prima facie less restrictive comparing to more traditional strategies, but they can also implicate a form of instrumentalization, which may trigger the application of the principle of human dignity.