Regions

In European politics, "the Regions" refers to the layer of government directly below the national level, and the areas which constitute them. The term is especially used in relation to those regions which have some historical claim to uniqueness or independence, or differ significantly from the rest of the country. Examples of regions include the German Lander, the countries of the UK (England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales), the French Departments (especially Bretagne?, Corsica, Languedoc? and others which have been historically culturally distinct from the rest of France), etc.

The current historical trend in Europe is for the devolution? of power to the regions from the central authorities. Examples of this trend include the devolution process in Britain (the [Scotland Act 1998]?, the [Government of Wales Act 1998]?) and the current negotiations in France concerning increased autonomy for Corsica.

The politics of the regionalism have also had there impact on the pan-European level. The regions of Europe have lobied for an increased say in EU affairs, especially the German Lander. This resulted in the creation by the Maastricht treaty of the [Committee of the Regions]?, and provision for member states to be represented in the Council by ministers from their regional governments. The desire of the German Lander however has been frustrated by other member states, which are opposed to direct involvement by the regions in EU decision-making. The German Lander sucessfully lobbied the German government (which in turn lobbied the European Council) for the 2004 IGC? to deal with the division of powers between the EU, national and regional levels of government.

The Council of Europe also has a [Congress of Local and Regional Authorities]?, similar to the EU's [Committee of the Regions]?.