Multiple Roads that lead to Brussels : the interaction between the European Union and associations of local governments

Sub-national authorities [SNAs] have seen a great development in their influence in the European up from the 1980s, due to several processes at work in Europe. Multi-level governance [MLG], a theory derived from studies on European Integration, explains for instance the changing interaction between different governmental levels. This theory argues in particular, that 'decentralisation has made local and regional governments more powerful and increased their capacity to formulate and deliver policy' (OECD, n.d.). Besides MLG, changes in the EU institutional structure have enlarged the influence of local and regional governments in the EU. This trend has resulted in SNAs moving to Brussels to establish their own regional office. Consequently, regions and cities increasingly attempt to influence EU policies through multiple channels, including formal institutions and non-institutional channels. However, regional offices focus merely on the information supply from the EU to their home region/city, instead of solely the lobby activity. The Netherlands has a strong local and regional representation. One of them is G-4 Europe, a cooperation of four main cities in the Netherlands: Rotterdam, Amsterdam, The Hague and Utrecht. The G-4 represents the specific Dutch urban issues/interests of these cities in the European Union. It executes several activities including, among others, monitoring and influencing EU policies, and the promotion of their office. Though, there have been doubts on the effectiveness of such a cooperation office in Brussels. Hence, this research paper examines in different chapters the effectiveness of lobbying, networking and information supply of the G-4 in comparison with its partners such as the VNG and Eurocities. Finally, the conclusion in the end of this paper explains the advantage for The Hague to have a regional office (G-4) in Brussels. Subsequently, recommendations will be provided to improve its communication, image and cooperation with the other associations discussed in this paper.