The ‘condition sine qua non’ of the added value of regions in the EU: Upper-level representation as the fundamental precondition

Abstract:

The expansion, in a relatively short time, of regional competences in the EU has given rise to a complex multi-level governance structure. This article posits the 'added value' that the regions (could) represent within that structure. Drawing upon evidence from five strong regions - Catalonia, Flanders, North Rhine-Westphalia, Salzburg, and Scotland, we examine the conditions ('critical success factors') necessary for regions to translate their potential added value functions into reality. Because regional policy is increasingly affected by EU-policy and because European institutions simultaneously depend on the regions to implement EU policy, we identify the ultimate precondition for regional added value as the institutional representation of regions at EU-level. After distinguishing three phases in regional upper-level representation, we conclude that strong regions are no longer satisfied with their traditional channels of influence - in order to play their (increased) role in the multi-level EU system, regional actors are looking to reform their representation at the EU level. If successful, this could lead to pronounced institutional changes at the EU and Member State levels.