Ricardo Vazquez Gomez

Devolution, change and European union policy‐making in the UK

Burch M., Gomez R., Hogwood P. and Scott A. (2005) Devolution, change and European Union policy‐making in the UK, Regional Studies 39 , 465–475. This paper explores the extent to which European Union policy‐making in the UK has changed as a result of devolution. The paper draws on material concerning economic development and the structural funds, agriculture and rural development, and environmental policy. The extent to which there has been a change in the outcomes (content and impact) of policy is examined. Evidence from Scotland, Wales, the English regions and UK central government reveals that it is not yet possible to judge the magnitude of changes in policy outcomes in any comprehensive and definitive way. Consequently, the paper concentrates on changes in the way European Union‐related policies have been handled post‐devolution. An argument emphasizing continuity with pre‐devolution is examined and found wanting. Changes in the handling of policy are evaluated in relation to notions of political ‘potential’ and ‘opportunity space’. Consideration is given to changes in key participants, policy‐handling networks, and the values and understandings underpinning policy‐making. It is clear that in comparison with the English regions and regions in many other Member States, Wales and Scotland enjoy a privileged if dependent position in national European policy‐making. They have applied new resources in a more focused way and have pursued a more territorial take on Europe, while still remaining insider participants in UK/European Union policy‐making. The conclusion is drawn that in the emerging system of UK multilevel governance, the magnitude of change in the handling of European policy varies across territory and policy, but is especially significant in relation to Wales and Scotland. Moreover, these changes are beginning and will continue to impact on outcomes.

The English regions

The English regions in their present guise began to emerge as distinct entities from the late 1980s. Their involvement in European policy making has always been restricted, as indeed has been the role of the English regions more generally. However, since then the regional tier has developed significantly, as the English regions have played an increasingly important part in economic regeneration policies and initiatives. Many of these initiatives have been funded through EU schemes. Thus, ostensibly the EU has been a significant driver in the development of this increasingly important tier of governance in England. In this chapter we consider the extent of Europeanization at this regional level in England. Following Bache and Jordan (Chapter 2), the way we have approached this concept and its definition is to regard it as fundamentally concerned with the study of domestic change which is evident through what might be termed ‘the EU effect’. That is, change that would not have happened or would not have happened in the way it has if it were not for the existence of arrangements and relationships consequent upon the establishment and development of the EU. So, a starting point for our analysis is that Europeanization concerns the nature of and the processes whereby this EU effect is manifested. We then draw in the concept of Europeanization used in this volume as a working definition to be applied and considered in the light of the evidence we present.