From Change to Change: Patterns of Continuing Administrative Reform in Europe

Abstract

This paper examines the continuing reform of the public sector in European countries. While “reform fatigue” might be expected after the major efforts at reforming that were undertaken during the 1980s and into the 1990s, there is apparently little loss of fervor about reform. The reasons for the continued reform efforts are discussed in administrative and political terms. Likewise, the logic of the continuation of reform in the contemporary era, as contrasted to earlier periods of reform, is discussed.