DE LA "EUROPA DE LAS REGIONES" A LA EUROPA CON LAS REGIONES

• Main Author: Cesáreo R. Aguilera de Prat
• Format: Article
• Language: Catalan
• Published: Institut d'Estudis de l'Autogovern 2006-04-01
• Series: Revista d'Estudis Autonòmics i Federals
• Subjects: subcentral participation; compared law; european union; subcentral entity; political parties; nationalism; europe of the regions; Comité of the Regions
• Online Access: http://www10.gencat.cat/drep/binaris/reaf2%20AGUILERA%20digi_tcm112-40006.pdf

In this article the author begins by analyzing the process of transformationtaking place within state-nations at the hands of the triple phenomenon ofglobalisation, Europeisation and regionalisation. The latter, furthermore, isclearly being affected by the first two and has generated a resurgence ofneo-regionalism. In regard to the influence of the European Union on theregions, the author denies that it is eroding ethnic-territorial identities andconsiders, on the other hand, that in view of the lack of a European demos,the key to the process of the construction of Europe lies in knowing how tocombine the extremely varied identities living together in Europe.From the point of view of the regions, on the other hand, the author pointsout the enormous number of different interests, factors which, among others,prevent them from being the main forces behind the construction of Europe,but not from making a contribution. It is not so much to speak of a Europeof regions as of a Europe with regions, all of which have their ownspace, as do the states, who will continue to be the main decision-makers.The author, finally, analyzes the role of sub-state nationalist parties, the limitsof the Committee of the Regions as a catalyst for regional interests, andthe weight and strategies of regions in Germany, Belgium and the UnitedKingdom.