Two types of multi-level governance: Intergovernmental relations in German and EU regional policy

Abstract:

In order to contribute to a better understanding of multi-level governance, this article compares two different types: joint decision-making between Federal and Länder governments in Germany and intergovernmental relations between EU, national governments and regions. It is argued that the two-level structure of intergovernmental relations in the German federal system is more burdened by veto positions of individual governments than the multi-level structure of EU governance. Whereas intergovernmental relations in German regional policy are organized as multilateral negotiations, its European counterpart supports regionalization and consists of differentiated and loosely coupled arenas. Moreover, it separates redistributive decisions from developmental policies and stimulates cooperation between public and private actors. Finally, multi-level governance in the EU is composed of a mixture of cooperation, hierarchy and competition. If we take it for granted that the number of veto points correlates to the efficiency of decision-making, then the EU multi-level governance is in a better shape than the German joint policy-making. However, the latter is part of EU structures and influences the success of European regional policy.