Príprava Ceské republiky na regionální politiku Evropské unie – regionalismus versus centralizace
Preparation of the Czech Republic for the Regional Politics of the European Union – Regional Aspects versus Centralisation

Summary/Abstract: The relationship between Europeanisation and regionalisation is the subject of considerable debate. Some scholars claim that European Union (EU) regional policy has been a major factor in the shift of political authority and activity from the national to the regional level of governance in Europe. EU policies, they argue, have promoted governmental decentralisation and strengthened regional actors vis-à-vis national governments, thereby contributing to the emergence of a “Europe of the Regions”. Others are sceptical of these claims. They argue that the impact of EU regional policy varies considerably from country to country, in accordance with such factors as member state size, governmental traditions, and existing territorial and constitutional arrangements. They also point to the ability of national governments to act as “gatekeepers,” thus limiting the impact of EU policies on domestic politics.

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