The expansion of the catalytic state: The new EU paradigm for the European Green Deal and beyond

This chapter illustrates the evolving role of the European Union (EU) from a 'regulatory state' to a 'catalytic state' in response to economic and geopolitical challenges. The regulatory state model, developed in the 1990s, emphasised governance through rule-making rather than direct intervention. However, recent events have highlighted its limitations and prompted a shift towards more interventionist practices. The 'catalytic state' conceptualisation suggests that the EU is developing capabilities beyond regulation to harness the resources of non-state actors and promote more direct and strategic intervention in critical sectors such as climate and energy. It offers a new way of theorising EU policymaking and framing the bloc's stance in an evolving international system characterised by growing great powers competition.