Globalization and European integration have caused nation states to lose power, while the European Union and regions have gained more influence. As the EU has deepened integration, it has become an independent actor on the global stage, while member states have become more dependent. Some regions are more populous than some EU member states, and regions argue they have historic identities. While decentralization and integration decisions are still controlled by nation states, the EU's enlargement and establishment of institutions like the Committee of the Regions have strengthened the role and influence of regions in the EU project.

1. Europe and the Regions

2. Power of Integration:

European integration indicates a loss of
power for Nation states.
European Union: Independent actor
Nations: Dependent actors

Globalization—causes loss of power of
nation state and EU and regions take
power.

3. European Committee of the
Regions
http://www.cor.euro
pa.eu
http://www.aer.eu

4. 
Loss of power of nation-states while
regions and EU gain power and influence.

“Federation Europe”- “People´s Europe”
-Small political communities are more
utilitarian.
- Moral and Political Necessity

5. In some cases...
• Regions are bigger in population than
some EU states
• Regions claim historic nationhood status
• Regions are focused around an important
city

7. Nation States as Protagonists

Decentralization and Integration are
decisions controlled by Nation States.

Regional agreements strengthen the state
Example: EU Enlargement 2007

Sacrifice of National independence or
exercise of national choice??

Expression of Sovereignty ??

France and Germany= EU Project

8. Inter-Regional - Trends
• 1960-1970
Regional impact of Cold War
Regional Institutions in Europe and
Developing World
• 1990´s
New Regionalism Post-Cold War Era
European Union:
-most formal and wide ranging expression of
regional interaction!!

9. Influence of Regions in EU

After 1988: Commission pushes for regions to
be prime receivers of Structural funds.

Federalism in Practice!!!!!

1992: Maastricht and Committee of Regions

“Europe of the Regions”

Powerful Regions more desirable than nation
states?

10. Influence of Regions in EU

After 1988: Commission pushes for regions to
be prime receivers of Structural funds.

Federalism in Practice!!!!!

1992: Maastricht and Committee of Regions

“Europe of the Regions”

Powerful Regions more desirable than nation
states?