The English regions and the European Union

Abstract

From the late 1980s on an elite-driven 'new regionalism' developed in the English regions, starting in the north. New region-wide modes of working by local authorities, business and other interests dovetailed with the new Government Offices to increase regional policy capacities. One of the focal points and drivers of this regionalism were the European Union (EU) Structural Funds. The Regional Development Agencies and Chambers/Assemblies established since 1997 have grown capacities and underpinned a higher profile information gathering and lobbying presence in Brussels. At the same time the focus has widened beyond the Structural Funds to reach into environmental policy/sustainable development and agriculture/rural development. The parallel strengthening of the Government Offices has enabled regional institutions better to address such cross-cutting issues, but has also reaffirmed Whitehall's dominant position and gatekeeper role.