What is "transnationality"

Transnationality is a principle of carrying out an action across national borders, so as to have effects at a more general level. It is commonly referred to with reference to the actions of the European Union (EU), in distinction to ' international' (among national governments and controlled by them) or ' supranational' (suggesting powers delegated to a higher level of government).

According to the principle of subsidiarity, actions ought to be taken at the lowest level of government possible, so as to maximise democratic accountability and responsiveness to people's needs. The actions of the EU are therefore often justified by reference to 'transnational added value'. This means that the lessons of the experience of one country may prove useful in another.