The main objective of the book is to answer the question of the proper theoretical justification for the regulatory agencies which are an important component of the EU institutional structure. They are independent bodies appointed by the European Commission in various specialised fields of the EU market, such as food safety, pharmaceuticals or financial supervision, in which the Commission itself – due to the complexity of the sector-specific regulation – is not able to prepare expertise alone. The agencies are therefore expert institutions, which form administrative support to the EU authorities and the member states. Despite the fact that the agencies are already an irremovable element of the EU decision-making and rulemaking processes there are still justified doubts about their legitimacy. The book offers an in-depth analysis of the current theoretical concepts surrounding the questions of empowerment, rightfulness and legitimacy of EU agencies’ activities. "The monograph is a very interesting read. The author is a very competent fashion deals with the objectives of her research and delivers a solid book. She persuasively touches on a plethora of pertinent legal and theoretical issues associated with EU agencies and their legitimacy. Bearing in mind the current discourse in this respect this book is very timely." Professor Adam Łazowski, School of Law, University of Westminsterweiterlesen