Abstract: The development and evolution of the Multilevel Governance System of the EU is one of the most crucial elements of the current policy agenda in Europe, as the need for a more effective model has become obvious, and one of the most significant aspect of the relevant debate refers to a more active participation of the EU regions in formulating and implementing EU policies. By definition, this debate concerns also the Greek Regions, both in terms of verifying their current status as well as of seeking new relevant public policy options. Taking into account the various legislative initiatives on revising the existing local government schemes in Greece, putting forward proposals on establishing a new model of Regional Governance, based on scientific analysis and international experience, provides the relevant debate with a significant added value element. The various institutional, legal, political and budgetary characteristics of the Regions (as operating administrative entities) are being examined, taking into account the principle of subsidiarity, and using, as comparable elements, Regions from a similar, yet distinct, model, such as Spain. The main objective is to provide scope for discussion on the real transition from the existing schemes of local self-government to schemes of Regional Governance, which will provide the Regions with the capacity not to merely implement public policies formulated at central level, but to produce their own public policy options, at national and European level.
Key Words: Regional Governance, Local Government, Greece, Spain, European Union
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