Destabilization rights and restabilization politics: policy and political reactions to European Union healthcare services law

Abstract

European Union (EU) patient mobility law creates destabilization rights: rights for citizens that would, if consistently applied, destabilize law, administration and finance for healthcare systems across the EU. This article focuses on the responses of the destabilized organizations and their efforts to restabilize their legal situation. We argue that it takes place through two decisions: a decision about whether or not to change procedures in response to the new right; and a decision about whether or not to lobby to circumscribe the new right. Our qualitative research in Germany and the UK found some differences in responses, but across the board the incumbent organizations and governments opted for very limited compliance and considerable engagement in EU politics as their preferred strategy for responding to the new destabilization rights.