'Certainly this book is a very interesting read and a must for all those active in the field of European labour law.' Transfer

'There has been a recent surge in interest in studying compliance with European laws and regulations. … This book contributes significantly to this literature, by broadening the range of factors and actors that might prevent or facilitate implementation, and by showing that the method of careful case studies can accumulate interesting insights.' West European Politics

'This is an excellent book on an important theme in European governance, forming an essential part of a wide-ranging, multi-authored series. Its excellence derives from its detailed, scholarly approach which is both exhaustive and, in the en, compelling in its conclusion.' Industrial Relations Journal

'At a time when there exists a multitude of publications on the Europeanization of government policies, this present study will serve as a benchmark as to the manner in which the impact of European Directives on the member states can be tested … this is an essential book, not only for the study of European social policies but also, and above all, for a systematic and finely-tuned understanding of the political processes involved in the implementation (or otherwise) of European law.' Bruno Palier, EUSA

'A new study by Gerda Falkner of Vienna and her collaborators reminds us that for many political scientists, and lawyers too, the question of compliance and implementation is best posed at a microscopic than at a macroscopic level. Their detailed study of the EU-wide implementation of a number of controversial measures with redistributive consequences in the area of social and employment policy ... draws a number of arresting conclusions.' Neil Walker, EUI Review