European Union decision making: The role of sub-national authorities

Elizabeth Bomberg, John Peterson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

This article assesses how and to what extent sub-national authorities (SNAs) are represented in EU decision making. In particular, we compare the European goals and strategies of British sub-national authorities with those of their counterparts in Germany. Our central argument is that SNAs starting from very different positions face many of the same challenges and problems, even if their domestic constitutional positions remain the most important determinant of their influence at the EU level. Influence in EU decision making derives largely from effective coalition building, both with other like-minded actors but also, inevitably in the case of sub-national authorities, with central governments. Our case study highlights the enormous diversity of relationships between central governments and 'their' SNAs across the Union. It thus encourages scepticism about the feasibility of a 'Europe of the Regions'.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)219-235
Number of pages17
JournalPolitical Studies
Volume46
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 1998

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