ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the emergence of the region in the context of the state and of the European Union (EU), and reviews the channels by which regional interests have sought to influence Europe. The Committee of the Regions (CoR) has the right to question the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Council if they fail to demonstrate that they considered its opinion, and can call for a second consultation if the initial proposal is substantially modified during the legislative process. While the Commission has succeeded in concentrating funds on the neediest regions, it still has to make sure that everyone gets something in order to keep national governments on side. The national politics is penetrated by European influences, through law, bureaucratic contacts, political exchange, the role of the Commission in agenda setting and, to a greater or lesser extent according to the state, through regional influences. Regionalism and European integration have changed the national state in important ways.
