ABSTRACT
Although slightly misleading (in some countries only a few regions hold the powers mentioned), Table 10.1 gives an impression of the regional input in these policy areas. This provides evidence of an emerging division of authority between national and regional levels. The areas in which regions can exert most formal autonomy are health, education and spatial planning. Some divisions between regions cut across national borders. None of the French, Dutch, Italian ‘ordinary’ or Spanish Art 143 regions exercise authority in any area to the complete exclusion of the state. On the other hand, the remaining regions represent the significant policy making level in health (with the exception of Germany) and education (with the exception of the Italian ‘special’ regions). Is this evidence of a ‘fast track’ group of regions in the EU?
