The Challenge of Integration and Disintegration Tendencies and Processes Within Different Levels of Governance

The submitted research project addresses, explores and theorises the concomittant integration and disintegration tendencies and processes between various levels of governance in the countries of the European union. It shall examine and clarify the currently rising tensions between four distinct levels of governance in the EU (municipalities, substate units, nation states and supranational European integration). The aim of this original approach is to contribute missing knowledge and fill the research gaps by elaborating concepts and models of disintegration for various levels of governance. In total, the research team of five authors shall contribute five publications in smaller units or individually and attend four conferences throughout the project.