Open AccessEvaluating the EUSDR’s contribution to sub-regional integration processes
Author(s) -
Soavapa Ngampramuan
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of european studies/australian and new zealand journal of european studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1837-2147
pISSN - 1836-1803
DOI - 10.30722/anzjes.vol10.iss2.15196
Subject(s) - regional integration , regionalism (politics) , regional science , economic geography , geography , political science , business , international trade , politics , law , democracy
This paper examines the dynamics of sub-regional integration processes within the Danube region as an example of EU sub-regionalism by focusing on the European Strategy on the Danube River (EUSDR). The assumption is that sub-regional integration projects differ conceptually from regional level integration processes as they tend to focus on the local and provincial level rather than the national level. As such sub-regional integration processes are characterised by integration processes based on geographic proximity, shared historical and cultural awareness, and the perception that closer local co-operation will generate economic profits. However, the regional level (EU) which represents the higher level will exert a certain influence on the occurrence and the dynamics of sub- regional integration processes as they are not completely independent from each other. The formulation and implementation of the EUSDR offers an insightful example in this regard.