Abstract

The article analyses, from a theoretical point of view, the concept of policy coherence, the processes of policy integration and their relevance for governmental action. Four topics are taken into consideration: a) the different analytical dimensions of the concept of policy integration, b) the conditions under which policy integration, is really needed and when, on the contrary, it is only a «good practice» taken-for- granted and adopted even if it is not useful, c) the costs and benefits of policy integration and d) the politics of policy coordination and integration.