Indeed, we tried to account for both theory and methods, but the focus was slightly more on methods and empirics, than on theory.
The summary of extant research, from a theoretical as well as a methodological angle, was given in the beginning of the workshop (Isabel Winnwa, University of Bamberg), to highlight the most important developments: quantitative studies have investigated topics like factors influencing policy outcomes (national preferences, saliency etc.), occurrence of bargaining, involvement of different actors at different levels of the Council, coalition and voting dynamics, etc.; qualitative studies on the other hand have focused on the role of arguing and problem-solving approaches, role conception and socialization, the impact of different factors (salience) on actors in negotiations etc.; there have also been a number of cross-method studies investigating similar topics.
In terms of theory, the field of EU research has been largely marked by a divide and dispute between more rational choice and more constructivist scholars, without leading to a constructive result. Some studies have also focused on inter-institutional dynamics as well as effects of the two-level structure of the EU. Most interestingly, much of the extant research has been rather structure-focused in nature, especially the quantitative part, largely overlooking the impact and importance of process-related factors and variables.
"The great thing about this workshop was that it explicitly linked methods to substance. Quite often, methodological debates remain abstract and somewhat idealistic. At this workshop, methodological insights could be applied to a concrete case, which is Council decision making. Thus making the discussions far more lively and the insights more useful."
_ Sandrino Smeets, University of Radboud