Theoretical Understanding of the Activation of the Unitary EU Member States Subnational Regions' External Relations

Abstract

At the turn of the XX – XXI centuries one can observe the growth of political activity of subnational regions (including unitary countries). The best examples are provided within the framework of integration entities (as European Union) and could takes the form of external relations. The article considers a number of concepts that allow to describe the motivating causes of the phenomenon and the environment that gave rise to it: glocalization, new regionalism, Europe of regions. In addition, the concept of paradiplomacy is considered, as an interpretation of the mechanisms for implementing external relations of subnational regions. As a result, it is concluded that these concepts are used in the analysis of the external relations of the subnational regions of unitary countries within the EU, and it is also argued that the external relations of the regions are an integral part of the European political architecture, important for maintaining European integration, despite the conflict potential inherent in them.