ABSTRACT
The European presence of the Nordic regions can be summarized as follows, using the names they themselves use in Brussels. This chapter focuses on the more practical aspects and asks whether there are different types of offices, possibly even a Nordic type as the Nordic background is common. The legal framework in Norway for sub-national international activities is very clear: the national level has neither power, nor interest, to stop the regions establishing representations abroad. The Nordic regional offices have also been instrumental when fighting over Structural Funds. Keating is also referring to the less tough manner of political lobbying: bringing the region's concerns and problems to the attention of the Commission. This is being done to a certain extent by the Nordic regional offices. The Nordic regional offices are clearly of the British type; they are focusing on funding and information, rather than on policy-making and influencing decisions.
