Learning about regionalism from Europe: ‘economic normalisation’ and beyond

Abstract

This paper critically analyses the European Union's regional policy framework and considers its implications for Australia's multi-level governance system. The analysis is made with reference to the ‘new regionalist’ debates in Europe and North America that have asserted the importance of regional economic development in the context of globalisation. New regionalism's advocacy of ‘economic normalisation’ as a leading regional policy aim is critically evaluated against the EU policy experience. Conclusions about the adequacy of new regionalist claims are drawn for Australian policy debates.