Danubius International Conferences, 4th International Conference The Danube - Axis of European Identity
Multi-level Governance and the Social Construction of Regional Identity
Last modified: 2014-06-04
Abstract
Objectives: To position regional identity as a key tool for strengthening EU multi-level governance (MLG). Prior Work: Multi-level governance theory and practice; types of MLG; MLG of EU cross-border and macro-regions; identity from the perspective of social constructivism in International Relations and European Studies. Approach: Literature review, case study. Results: Removal of borders in EU, de-bordering and re-bordering have opened windows of opportunities for social construction of regional identities. Regional identity is becoming a milestone of EU MLG. Implications: For public sector, business and civil society actors, who intervene in the practice of MLG, as well as academics and researchers, who are involved in studies of EU governance. Value: Social construction of identities of regions, set up within the cohesion policy of EU, is discussed in causal relation to the enhancement of MLG.
