Regional Representation in Brussels and Multi-Level Governance: Evidence from Northern Ireland

Abstract

The creation of Northern Ireland's regional representation in Brussels (ONEIB) has changed the dynamics of the region's engagement with the EU. Devolution has formalised Northern Ireland's representation in Brussels and has created close links between it and UKRep. On balance, this new arrangement limits rather than enhances regional autonomy, and is in contrast to the pre-devolution period when the ability of regional actors to pursue influence in Brussels was less constrained by the institutions of the UK state. The result is a movement towards rather than away from government, where less formal modes of governance have been replaced by formalised and institutionalised government-directed arrangements. This contradicts the claims of MLG theorists who suggest that the evolving power and influence of regions has been to the detriment of states.