ABSTRACT
Establishing which functions are performed by the various regional tiers of government in the European Union would appear to be a simple task. This appears to have been the belief of some analysts who have produced lists of powers accruing to different regions, in an attempt to give a definitive answer (see for example DETR, 2000). Unfortunately, mere lists of regional responsibilities give us a very misleading picture. Although third level responsibilities may be similar across the EU, the extent to which regions exercise authority within these areas is very different. Aside from the constitutional variations between regions, financial and political limitations can also restrain regional autonomy in the areas assigned to them. Although two regional governments may exercise responsibility over environmental protection, there is a world of difference between the region that can introduce legislation on the issue and one that can only implement national policy.
