Does Inter-Municipal Cooperation Lead to Territorial Consolidation? A Comparative Analysis of Selected European Cases in Times of Crisis

Abstract

The paper analyzes the impact of inter-municipal cooperation on territorial fragmentation on the basis of a European comparison of the cases of Slovakia, Slovenia, and the German Land Brandenburg. While in Brandenburg all IMC types utilized intensively, in Slovakia quasi-regional governments and service delivery organizations and in Slovenia only the latter ones are dominant. In general, the IMC may be a challenge to a sub-optimal municipal size and to overcome shortcomings associated with territorial fragmentation. Under favorable conditions as in Brandenburg, the IMC has led to territorial consolidation. Under unfavorable conditions, as in Slovakia and Slovenia, it may even be inefficient, opportunistic and sustain territorial fragmentation as well as prevent any amalgamation reform.