Beneath the European Union’s formal structures there exists a layer of (sub-)regional groupings of member states that influence and shape EU-level strategies, policies, decisions and legislation. The Benelux Union, Nordic Council, Baltic cooperation, Visegrad Four, Hansa cooperation and the Three Seas Initiative are just a few of them.
Based on shared history, common goals and/or geographical proximity, those groups vary significantly in their membership, level of institutionalisation, scope of activities, funding base and working methods. Nevertheless, they provide a platform for individual member states to forge common positions not only regarding regional topics, but also concerning the decision making process in the EU.
This seminar will compare the formats and approaches to regional cooperation of the Benelux, Nordic Council and V4 and discuss their influence on the EU decision-making process.
The event is jointly co-organized by Think Visegrad platform (represented in Brussels by EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy) and CEPS.