The European Union and the Regions

Abstract

Abstract European integration has affected regions in various ways. It has created economic winners and losers. It has taken up powers formally devolved to regions and has often strengthened national governments at the expense of regions, since it is the Member States who are represented in European insitutions. Regions have mobilized in various ways to influence European policies, directly or through their national governments. Europe has created new mechanisms for regional participation, including the Committee of the Regions and the possibility for regions to represent their state in the Council of Ministers. Reform of European regional policy and the creation of the Structural Funds has drawn regions more closely into the EU policy process. Patterns vary considerably among states.