E-governance and integration in the European union

Abstract

The research here presented aims to analyze the global impact of e-governance in the European Union. It focuses on the long-term development of the European Union following the spillover effect described by Neofunctionalism integration theory. Therefore, it explores the potential of e-government fostering the European integration to a new level thanks to the new digital possibilities. New information and communication technologies can make a significant contribution to the achievement of good governance goals. This EU “e-governance” can make public management more efficient and more effective and attract the loyalty of the participants to the European project. This research outlines the main contributions of e-governance in Europe: improving government processes (e-administration); connecting citizens (e-citizens and e-services); and building external interactions (e-society). Case studies are used to show that e-governance is a current, not just future, reality for developing countries and the European Union. E-governance requires a concrete roadmap for its development and this chapter focuses on the main steps required to implement an effective e-governance within the European Union.