Europeanization at the urban level: Local actors, institutions and the dynamics of multi-level interaction

Abstract

EU initiatives provide urban institutions and actors across Europe with new and unprecedented access to information, legitimacy, and not least, financial support. From established local authorities to fledgling neighbourhood partnerships, actors across the urban spectrum see increased European involvement as a central component of innovative governance.

This paper proposes a theoretical framework to assess whether European working provokes shifts in the institutionalized norms, beliefs, and values of urban actors, focusing in particular on British cities. In doing so, the paper elaborates a four-part typology of Europeanization at the urban level, and subsequently applies this typology to the empirical cases of Birmingham and Glasgow. It then attempts to draw some preliminary conclusions about how involvement in EU Structural Fund programmes affects long-standing practices in cities in Britain and across the continent.

Keywords:

• Britain
• Europeanization
• local authorities
• networks
• partnership
• urban governance.

Notes

1 This definition owes much to work undertaken by Ian Bache (2002, 2003), which I have adapted here.

2 Adapted from Green Cowles et al. (2001).

3 See, inter alia, Leach and Percy-Smith (2001); Stoker (1999); Stewart (2000).

4 Now housed in ODPM, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

5 See, amongst others, Tewdwr-Jones and McNeill (2000); Heinelt and Staeck (1999).

6 The regional authority, which undertook the majority of European working from 1975 to 1996 on behalf of Glasgow District Council. When regional councils disbanded in 1996, European competences and personnel transferred to the new unitary Glasgow City Council. For more, see McAteer (1997); Colwell and McLaren (1999).

7 One such example is Bristol, which has had huge difficulty developing strong partnerships and integrated regeneration programmes. For more see, inter alia, Oatley and Lambert (1999).