Leiden University Student Repository

Hendriks, Jim (2024)

The European Committee of the Region's political representation: How does the internal politicization of the CoR influence its political representation of the interests of regional and local governments within the European Union?

Master thesis | Public Administration (MSc)

This master thesis investigates the internal politicization of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and its influence on representing local and regional interests within the EU. Through interviews and a comparative case study, this study challenges assumptions about politicization leading to a prioritization of political party interests over local concerns. Contrary to expectations, findings reveal that internal politicization grants CoR members the freedom to represent both local government interests and those of their political party. The cooperative institutional setting emphasizes substantive representation over symbolic representation, showcasing the CoR's unique role in the European Union. The study addresses a literature gap and contributes valuable insights into the nuanced dynamics of internal politicization within the CoR.

Politicization

Political representation

European Committee of the Regions

CoR

Author

Hendriks, Jim

Faculty

Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs

Specialisation

International and European Governance

Supervisors

Ruiter, R. de

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en