Regional Governance in the EU

The role of regions in the European Union has been frequently debated since the 1980s. This comprehensive book provides a thorough overview of the issue from a variety of perspectives, analysing regional governance and territorial dynamics in the EU and its member states. Focusing on the implications of the democratisation-regionalisation nexus, it argues that a 'Europe with the regions' may promote good governance and ameliorate the democratic deficits of the EU. The book's contributions offer a multidisciplinary approach to the study of governance in the EU and highlight the significance of regions and regionalisation for the EU's future. Through a combination of empirical, conceptual, theoretical and normative approaches, chapters address both intra-state and transnational developments to provide a fresh and exciting addition to the literature on new regionalism and democratic theory. Favouring a modest notion of a 'Europe with the regions' rather than the dominant maximalist vision, it embeds these developments in the ongoing debate about the future of the EU. Students and academics exploring regional governance and the EU will find this book's unique conclusions and crucial insights of great value. The book's distinct perspective on European governance will also be of benefit to policy-makers and EU think-tanks.

'Although hopes for a ''Europe of the regions'' have long been quashed, this important volume recognises and explores the obstinacy of regions in contemporary politics. The interdisciplinary and broad-ranging discussion provides a rigorous and much-needed re-assessment both of the status quo of regional governance and the role that regions can and should play in tackling the current crises of democratic politics in Europe.' --Anwen Elias, Aberystwyth University, UK'A strong collection of studies devoted to the comeback of the idea of a ''Europe with the regions''. Writing from multidisciplinary perspectives, a team of both more-established and younger scholars explores the idea of a Europe with the regions, the current role of regions in the EU, intra-regional political dynamics and the role of the EU in the regions. This edited volume provides a rich source for anyone who is interested in territorial politics, European governance and multilevel democracies.' --Klaus Detterbeck, University of Göttingen, Germany'Irrespective of volatile slogans like ''Europe of the regions'', of changing political priorities and of shifting academic attention, the regional dimension remains key to the functioning of Europe. This volume unveils a neglected reality and puts regional studies back at the core of the European debate.' --Francesco Palermo, University of Verona and Eurac Research, Italy

Edited by Gabriele Abels, Jean Monnet Chair and PRRIDE Director and Jan Battke, PhD candidate and former PRRIDE Academic Coordinator, University of Tübingen, Germany