Theorising European Integration of Local Government – Insights from the Fusion Approach

Abstract

The article explores a new, dynamic conceptual framework to understand the relations between local government and the European Union (EU). It argues that, first, the fusion approach explains the systemic linkages between European integration and corresponding change within cities, counties and municipalities. Secondly, fusion dynamics are slowly emerging across European and local levels, whereby competencies and resources are merging and policies become synchronised under Europe 2020 and the European Cohesion Policy. Thirdly, the fusion approach provides an understanding of the attitudes of local actors towards European integration. In order to show the relevance of fusion, the article presents the findings of five empirical indicators: the absorption of EU policies and legislation; attention towards EU policies; institutional adaptation; EU-related action of local government and attitudes towards European integration. It also compares local government in two contrasting regions with regard to their political autonomy – North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany and the North West of England.

Key Words:

• European integration
• local government
• fusion
• Europeanisation
• multilevel governance
• Germany
• England

Notes

1. Only applies to member states with Gross National Income of less than 90% of the EU average.

2. Merseyside was an Objective 1 region, and was given an enhanced level of support from the Structural Funds. When Merseyside’s Objective 1 status ended in 2007, the city region acquired significantly less money to support businesses.

3. ESF funding are approximations because of variations in national adminstration, exchange rates and Merseyside’s ring-fenced status (New Economy 2012).

4. The German Association of Towns also acts specifically on behalf of NRW cities.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Marius Guderjan

Marius Guderjan is a lecturer and researcher in politics at the Centre for British Studies of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. In 2013, he was awarded his PhD at Manchester Metropolitan University for his thesis ‘When Europe meets the local level – a fusing multilevel compound?’, in which he explored the integration of local government within the European Union.