Abstract
This paper deals with two examples of macro-regions in the EU: the Benelux and the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS). Building on the distinction between “old” and “new” regionalism, it discusses some characteristics of regions in general, and of sub-integration schemes within the EU in particular. These characteristics are applied to the two regions at hand. From this application it follows that the CBSS can be regarded as a “new” region, whereas the Benelux is an “old” region with some elements from new regionalism.
The paper subsequently discusses some explanations for the emergence of macro-regions in the EU as well as the implications of this phenomenon for research on European integration.
| Original language | Undefined |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | European Integration and Baltic Sea Region: Diversity and Perspectives. |
| Editors | Tatjana Muravska |
| Place of Publication | Latvia |
| Publisher | The University of Latvia Press |
| Pages | 478-480 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-9984-45-398-9 |
| Publication status | Published - 26 Sep 2011 |
Publication series
| Name | |
|---|---|
| Publisher | The University of Latvia Press |
Keywords
- METIS-280256
- macro-regions
- European integration theory
- Benelux
- CBSS
- Flexible integration
- IR-80706
Cite this
Groenendijk, N. (2011). Clubs within clubs: The Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) and the Benelux as Macro-regions within the EU. In T. Muravska (Ed.), European Integration and Baltic Sea Region: Diversity and Perspectives. (pp. 478-480). Latvia: The University of Latvia Press.