Subsidiarity and the History of European Integration

The short history of cohesion policy and the related reform of financial allocations show the transformative capacity of European institutions. Since the earlier state-centric approach that left only a marginal role for Brussels, the policy area has morphed into one of the most important Commission activities, directing the highest percentage of EU budgetary resources. The principle of subsidiarity occupies an important political space in the power division between European authorities. Through policy adaptations reflected in buzzwords, such as transparency and accountability, financial democratisation and funding access, the EU has mounted an effective response to economic crises. In the past decades, regional and local authorities have moved to the forefront of innovation, exploring solutions to European-wide challenges.