Concept Of Multi-level Governance Research Articles

Support for Ukrainian refugees after Russia's invasion of Ukraine: aid structure and resilience factors. Case studies of Lublin and Lutsk

ABSTRACT Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 triggered forced migration on a scale not seen in Europe since World War II. The city of Lublin (Poland), as the capital of the border region, has become both a destination and transit point for refugees, generating the need for both emergency and long-term assistance. Lublin Voivodeship is adjacent to the Volyn region with its capital in Lutsk, where the situation has also changed rapidly (an influx of internally displaced persons). The purpose of this article is to capture the overall picture of the response to war in regional urban centres with similar demographic, absorption and adaptation potential and to identify social resilience factors. We begin by describing the aid structure based on the concept of multilevel governance. We then identify three groups of social resilience factors in both cities: past experience in emergency response, the diversity of actors involved, and the way the work is managed (with professionalisation of volunteer phenomena). The article is based on data resulting from qualitative research in Lublin and Lutsk with the actors of the humanitarian aid.

Coordination as a Mechanism for Implementing the Concept of Multi-Level Governance in Ukraine

The article examines the essence and features of coordination as a mechanism for implementing the concept of multi-level governance, the definition of methodological approaches to the use of methods and means of horizontal and vertical coordination in the system of multi-level governance in Ukraine. It was found that the complex mechanism of coordination in the multi-level management system is based on the applied aspect of the hierarchy of coordination goals and involves the use of a number of methods and means of achieving its goals based on the principles of coordination, which should include: interconnection and simultaneity, hierarchical subordination, coordination, balance, balance, redundancy, unity of commands and actions, etc. At the same time, the methods and means of coordination can be such as: visa and other forms of mutual control, distribution of tasks according to the management hierarchy, creation of committees and commissions, meetings between departments, dissemination of information, negotiations, direct observation, development of rules, procedures, schedules, norms, plans, etc. On the basis of research concerning coordination mechanisms in complex hierarchical systems, it was determined that the triune coordination system is based on: restrictions - narrowing of the set of known connections, which includes: instructions (norms) and standardization (sets of standard operations); informing - expansion of the set of known connections, which includes: vertical and horizontal communications using the entire set of available information and forms of communications; purely coordination - it is based on a balance between narrowing and expanding a set of known connections, which allows you to use reference information and focus it on the performance of certain tasks (from the decomposition of the general task) in order to fulfill certain indicators (criteria) with the help of both standard operations and and other forms of communications. Using the process and project approach in establishing effective coordination, the process of algorithmization and the demonstration of a step-by-step algorithm for solving complex problems to the subjects of program implementation and project executors with the receipt of feedback from this link in the form of finding out how much is quite important tasks are adequate from the point of view of coordination with executors in conditions of multitasking regarding priorities, availability of resources, deadlines, etc. At the same time, a condition for solving complex problems with the help of establishing an effective coordination system is their decomposition into appropriate sub-tasks and the selection of adequate methods and means of their solution in the specified time. It is proven that the improvement of the complex mechanism of coordination between all subjects of institutional interaction is an important component of solving practical problems of multi-level management. As for the role of the coordinator, who is a key subject of the hierarchical system responsible for coordinating the activities of various decision-making centers, he should emphasize and focus not on the current state of the coordination objects of the lower level, but on specific, primarily intermediate results of their work , determined in the form of certain indicators at the corresponding stages of the implementation of programs and projects for a clear period of time. This will make it possible to increase the effectiveness of coordination and make reasoned decisions related to the choice of the current coordinating action depending on the tactical situation in conditions of uncertainty.

Углеродный сбор Евросоюза:на пересечении климатической и внешнеторговой политики

The European Union (EU) is getting ready for the implementation of СBAM — the world’s first carbon border adjustmentmechanism. This article explores the correlation between intra-European and international facets of СBAM as two sides ofthe same coin: while appending the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, it is equally an instrument of foreign trade, immediatelytouching upon EU relations with trade partners and specialized international organizations. Once such correlation is takeninto account, it becomes evident why the design of the European carbon levy remains capable of improvement as far as fightingclimate change goes.The concept of multilevel governance assists this research as the basis for analyzing СBAM. The institutionalist approachclarifies the specifics of the European carbon border adjustment mechanism. They are important in order to scopeout its true perspective. In particular, the MLG approach helps to expose the blurred lines between market regulation andtax policy in European governance practice.The ways, if any, that СBAM differs from a carbon tax and, at the same time, is similar to a carbon tariff are considered.A reappraisal made in the article of this hybrid measure makes it possible to draw a conclusion that, as envisioned bythe European Commission, it is meant to ensure more favourable conditions for investments in cost-intensive, low-carbontechnologies while suppressing competition from cheaper, high-carbon imports. At the same time, so as to avoid unleashingtrade wars, it is important for the Commission to assure the maximum possible conformity of СBAM to the World TradeOrganization’s (WTO) legal requirements. Compatibility with WTO law would enhance the ecological legitimacy of theregulatory mechanism in question. It would make sure that international partners would not regard СBAM as a form ofgreen protectionism.Further, the subtle aspects of preferences in terms of СBAM design are discussed, as held by the Commission, EUmember states, the European Parliament, and the representatives of European carbon-intensive industries. Particular attentionis paid to the discussion in the EU on the issue of connecting export rebates for inside producers to CBAM.

MULTI-LEVEL GOVERNANCE IN THE CONTEXT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EUROPEAN POLICIES REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINE AT THE SUBNATIONAL LEVEL

The article examines the institutional foundations of the formation and features of the use of the concept of multi-level governance, the determination of methodical approaches to the formation and possibilities of applying an integrated approach to multi-level governance at the subnational level in the context of the implementation of European policies on the development of Ukraine. It has been found that the role of sub-national structures in European politics is becoming increasingly independent and may partially depart from the direct influence and control of national governments. At the same time, regionalization, which took place in a number of leading European countries, ultimately contributed to the decentralization of political power and the transfer of significant powers from the national to the subnational level. The most significant principles of multi-level governance are defined, which should include: transparency and openness of the process of development and adoption of political decisions; compliance with the principles of subsidiarity, inclusiveness and proportionality within this process; comprehensive protection of basic individual rights; development of partnership with the participation of institutions and persons of both public and private law; achieving management efficiency and budgetary balance at all levels of multi-level governance. The principle of partnership in the system of multi-level governance provides for the equality of different levels of power within the European Union, as well as their recognition of mutual democratic legitimacy. The specified principle also provides that the supranational, national and subnational levels of government should develop cooperation, which is carried out on a voluntary and mutually beneficial basis. It is emphasized that the institutional capacity of the governing bodies of the subnational level is the ability of these bodies to effectively, competently and stably perform their functions and powers. This concerns the legal, resource capabilities, competences of the relevant bodies and their ability to coordinate collective actions in the direction of promotion and implementation of public projects and public initiatives that are significant for society. It provides for effective partnership and coordination of relevant bodies, including with government institutions; interdepartmental partnership and coordination; increasing one's own capacity in the field of finance and in the provision of public services in accordance with the principles of subsidiarity and inclusiveness; partnerships and coordination outside the sphere of public administration; as well as audit, evaluation and citizen feedback. Attention is focused on the fact that the consolidation of efforts, that is, the joint interaction of local state authorities and local self-government bodies, is an important condition and at the same time a means of implementing democratic, decentralized management of territories and a condition for proper multi-level governance in the context of the European integration goals and objectives of Ukraine. The implementation of such cooperation will ensure the effectiveness of the mechanism of interaction between executive authorities and local self-government bodies; establish high-quality interaction of local authorities with territorial divisions of central executive authorities; to increase the professional level of employees of local state administrations; regulate the legal status of heads of local executive bodies; to ensure the provision of services to the population of appropriate quality.

A research agenda for trust and distrust in a multilevel judicial system

While public trust in the judicial system has been extensively explored in the US, this has been less common in Europe. The purpose of this paper is therefore to launch a research agenda on trust in courts. This is based on an overview of the empirical studies on trust/distrust in courts in Europe, which are assessed critically in light of the trust literature. We connect the concept of multilevel governance in which the EU operates to the concept of multilevel trust, which concerns the interrelations between interpersonal trust, interorganizational trust and system trust. Furthermore, we add structure to the existing literature on trust in and within courts in Europe by categorizing it into two main categories: (i) studies that focus on trust in courts within one (national or European) legal system and (ii) those that explore the interaction of trust in and between courts at different levels of governance (multilevel governance). We further examine whether different relational and institutional aspects of trust in courts, their drivers, dynamics and effect, as well as the recent trend of specialization in court systems have been sufficiently covered in the literature.

Governing TVET in Federal Nepal: Centralized or Decentralized Management ?

With the increasing recognition of the need for skilled human resources in developing countries, the role of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) has been an important part of the education system. However, in spite of such a vital role of TVET, challenges exist in designing, planning and implementing it while governing effectively. Such context has raised the issue of governing TVET among educationists, policy makers and all stakeholders to achieve its intended goals. The TVET governing issue has been of serious concern to its stakeholders in Nepal with the introduction of the federal structure in 2015. Hence this paper aims to explore the governing issue of TVET in the context of federal governance of Nepal. For this, this paper employs qualitative research approach in analyzing policy and practice of TVET in Nepal. This paper explores that the process of governing TVET in Nepal has remained highly centralized in spite of rhetoric of decentralization as the main agenda of governing development over the decades. Arguably, there is a reluctant tendency in devolving TVET as per the new structure of federal governance. Instead, conflicts among three levels of governments – federal, provincial and local – are emerging in the case of TVET similar to other development sectors. Hence, for sustainable operation and management of TVET this paper argues that the policy and practice of the TVET need to be guided by the concept of multilevel governance with collaboration among the three levels of government as envisaged by the new federal constitution.

Implementing the Refugee Resettlement Process: Diverging Objectives, Interdependencies and Power Relations

Refugee resettlement is implemented by many different national and international stakeholders who operate in different locations and on the basis of sometimes diverging objectives. The implementation of the resettlement process has thus been characterized as multi-level governance, with resettlement stakeholders coordinating and negotiating the selection of refugees for resettlement. Still, literature on the implementation of refugee resettlement has remained very limited and has mainly focused on one specific stakeholder or stage of the process. In addition, a common conceptualization of the different stages is currently missing in academic literature. To address this research gap, the article proposes a common terminology of all stages of the resettlement process. Highlighting the diversity of resettlement programs, the article relies on a comparative case study of the German resettlement and humanitarian admission programs from Jordan and Turkey. By drawing on the concept of multi-level governance, the article examines diverging objectives and interdependencies between resettlement stakeholders, such as UNHCR and resettlement countries. As a result, the article argues that the increasing emphasis on national selection criteria by resettlement countries, including Germany, puts resettlement countries even more in the center of decision-making authority–in contrast to a diffusion of power that characterizes multi-level governance.

Globalization and COVID-19: The Role of Local and Regional Authorities In Context Of International Relations

Research background: International Municipal Cooperation in context of globalization and decentralization can be considered as a widely researched phenomenon. Still, the recent COVID-19 Pandemic prepared unexpected developments at all levels of the society. Purpose of the article is to examine the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on models/forms of cooperation between crucial players in the international relations arena, with a special focus on the international-regional/local cooperation axis. Methods of content and comparative analysis based on primary sources and scientific literature review are used. In the methodological framework of the Multi-level Governance Concept (Marks, G., 1993), reactions of relevant International Organizations on COVID-19 with regard to local and/or regional Self-Government Authorities are analysed. Findings and value added: The crisis deepened the importance of local and regional Self-Government Authorities in the recovery process and urged international players to pay an increased attention to mutual cooperation and subsequent implementation of measures needed. Especially the Multi-stakeholder Partnership has been strengthened. This paper intended to contribute to current academic and public policy debate.

Analysis and discussion of 28 recent marine protected area governance (MPAG) case studies: Challenges of decentralisation in the shadow of hierarchy

This paper analyses the governance of MPAs through 28 case studies in 15 countries. Limitations of the polycentric governance concept are discussed, particularly its faith in linkages as a means of resolving conflicts and its assumption that the state should only take a passive role. The concept of coevolutionary governance is described and justified, noting that this essentially builds on polycentrism’s systematic case study analysis approach, but evolves it to move beyond its limitations. Coevolutionary governance takes a synecology perspective to analyse how incentives coevolve through their functional integration, as well as how social and ecological systems can coevolve through the feedback mechanisms of human impacts and ecological services. Drawing on the wider concept of multi-level governance, coevolutionary governance is considered to provide for synergies between governance approaches, proposing that coordination can be achieved and conflicts addressed through reconfigured roles of the state providing steer through governance in ‘the shadow of hierarchy’. The MPAG empirical framework is described and the findings of its application outlined. Drawing on these findings, some key trends within and amongst five categories of incentives are explored. These illustrate that incentives synergistically interact in a way that is analogous to synecology, providing for them to be functionally integrated as a means of combining governance approaches. As such, it is argued that these findings support the validity of the coevolutionary governance concept, as well as supporting the argument that “diversity is the key to resilience, both of species in ecosystems and incentives in governance systems”.

Theoretical aspects in multi-level security management of the European Union in the framework of Security Sector Reform (SSR)

Governance is a way for society to get organised, take and implement decisions by means of mutual understanding, reaching agreements and taking actions. It works at every level and is visible in social, political and economic dimensions. It includes a range of instruments, principles, institutions and practical action. States, governmental and non-governmental entities with some competences in governance aim to boost development level and provide security to their citizens. The concept of multi-level governance (MLG) is a characteristic of the European Union (EU) and its areas, where it is capable of exercising its governance at many levels using sectorial internal and external policies. This article focuses on multi-level security management by the European Union within the concept of Security Sector Reform (SSR), dedicated to two sectorial external policies, i.e. the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CFDP). In this article, the author will attempt to explain what Security Sector Reform actually means for the European Union. For better understanding this analysis author adopted the multi-level governance theory to demonstrate how the SSR concept can be combined with MLG. The author put forward a thesis that, due to many similarities, i.e. in the EU approach to security management in external relations

Multi-level governance in a ‘Europe with the regions’

The concept of multilevel governance was introduced to reveal the impact of regions on European Union (EU) policy making in Brussels. In this contribution, I show that multilevel governance also exposes regional involvement in EU affairs within the member states. In contrast to perspectives that focus on formal decision-making by central governments, multilevel governance uncovers significant sharing of authority between governmental actors within and beyond national states even in cases where the formal right to make a decision lies with national governments or the EU legislator. I argue that the concept of multilevel governance is key for understanding developments within a three-tiered EU polity because it directs scholarly attention to the incentives for regions to be involved in EU affairs and for national governments and EU institutions to share their authority with regions.

The multi-level governance imperative

Governments are facing increasingly complex policy challenges, ranging from climate change, demographic pressures, rising inequalities and discontent, to the global health crisis that countries are presently confronting. Successful responses require more integrated approaches to policy making at all levels of government, so that economic, social and environmental actions reinforce each other rather than compete. They also require effective coordination across levels of government to manage shared responsibilities, mutual dependence and common challenges. This commentary highlights the progress in the multi-level governance concept since its first use, and focuses on some current dynamics driving multi-level governance, in particular the trend towards differentiated subnational governance. It then highlights that the way multi-level governance systems are designed has a direct impact on policy outcomes, hence the imperative to strengthen multi-level governance systems. The commentary offers insight into how the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is tacking this imperative to best support countries in their development processes.

Public policies and multilevel governance to promote the creative economy from the cultural fi eld: inter-federative support for Curitiba’s policy

Abstract The design and implementation of public policies to promote the creative economy as a new sustainable development based have not shown the same results in different societies. This article aims to evaluate the strength and ability of a multilevel governance system formed by institutions and actors at federal, state, and local levels to design and implement public policy to promote the creative economy as an alternative for Brazilian development. The analysis is guided by the concept of multilevel governance, considering horizontal relations and vertical relations to address the public problems of interest to all. The process mapping model for the formulation of public policy called Multiple Streams was necessary for its potential to grasp the logic of the political process. The results indicate the difficulties in forming a multilevel governance system with sufficient capacity to design and implement public policies from the cultural field to promote the creative economy at the federal level, in the state of Paraná and the city of Curitiba.

Globalization and Sustainability of Regions: The Role of Cultural and Creative Industries in Cutural Policies and their Implications for Regional Development – A Case Study of the Czech Republic

This article examined the level of integration of the concept of Cultural and Creative Industries in strategic documents decisive for public policy implementation. On the case study of the Czech Republic, concrete goals, tools and measures of respective policies were examined, special focus has been laid on the implementation power and coordination mechanisms. In the methodological framework of the Multi-level Governance Concept, methods of content and comparative analysis were used. As the analysis shows, on the central level is the concept of CCIs explicitly reflected and very well elaborated, with concrete goals and instruments to achieve the given goals, on the local level predominantly the „cultural part“ is stressed, having the „creative aspects“ hidden in other policy areas. Concerning the local level, there is a „two axes“ flow. On one side, examined policy paper stresses the importance of culture for own citizens, especially for the community and identity feeling, promotion of a good name of the city (region, municipality) and last, not least, the identification of citizens with the place they live in. On the other hand, the second line aims at attracting tourists through a complex combination of cultural heritage visits, connected with various experience events.

25 years of the Committee of the Regions and its impact on the legislative process of the European Union. Remarks in the light of the concept of multilevel governance in the EU

25 years of the Committee of the Regions and its impact on the legislative process of the European Union. Remarks in the light of the concept of multilevel governance in the EU

Position of OLAF in a multi-level governance system of the European Union

The author aims to investigate the position of OLAF in the multi-level governance system (MLG) of the European Union with specific inter-institutional consequences of such location, assuming that OLAF is not a classical supranational institution. In the research subject an important role is played by the European Commission (EC), which established OLAF and gave it specific competences to act. These facts are fundamentally important for further considerations, so they can have a major impact on the precise determination of OLAF’s position in the MLG. If OLAF as an agent and supervisor has control powers over supranational institutions, including its principal, a supranational European Commission, it is unlikely that it would also be a supranational institution. This article demonstrates, that OLAF is not a classic supranational institution because it exhibits strong features of a supra-supranational institution operating in a multi-level EU governance system. A helpful theoretical and methodological research tools we consider the Principal/Agent Theory (PAT) and its combination Principal/Supervisor/Agent Theory (PSAT) on the one hand, and the concept of multi-level governance (MLG) on the other hand.

Multi-level governance in local governments in the Federal Republic of Germany

Samorząd gminny w Niemczech, wykonując zadania publiczne w ramach multilevel governance, pełni najważniejszą rolę w układzie sieciowym. Jako organ państwa inicjuje i zmienia formy koordynacji działań zbiorowych. Głównym problemem, jaki legł u podstaw artykułu jest używanie siatki pojęciowej, występującej w zdekoncentrowanej strukturze administracji publicznej w krajach anglosaskich, do opisu multi-level governance w zdecentralizowanych formach administracji publicznej. Celem głównym artykułu jest zaprezentowanie w jaki sposób koncepcja multi-level governance została dostosowana do specyfiki niemieckiego samorządu gminnego oraz na czym polega jej istota. Celowi głównemu podporządkowano następujące pytania badawcze: Jaka jest różnica w genezie governance w Niemczech w porównaniu do tradycji państw anglosaskich? W jaki sposób są realizowane zadania publiczne w ramach multi-level governance w Niemczech? Jakie są formy organizacyjno-prawne wykonywania zadań publicznych? Artykuł został przygotowany według założeń nowego instytucjonalizmu. W celu zaprezentowania sposobów wykonywania zadań publicznych w koncepcji multi-level governance zastosowano metodę funkcjonalną, która umożliwiła wyłonienie tych zadań, które mogą być realizowano zarówno przez jednostki samorządu terytorialnego, jak i instytucje samorządu gospodarczego. Uzupełniając rozważania zastosowano również metodę instytucjonalną pokazującą specyfikę współpracy samorządu gminnego z innymi podmiotami publicznoprawnymi i prywatnoprawnymi. Z badań nad multi-level governance w Niemczech autorka wyciągnęła trzy wnioski, wokół których powstał artykuł. Po pierwsze, powstanie multi-level governance w Niemczech oparte jest na działaniach odgórnych i następuje od kraju związkowego do gmin (top-down). Tworzenie układu sieciowego wynika wówczas z przekonania władz państwowych o efektywniejszej realizacji zadań publicznych opartej na współpracy z podmiotami prywatnymi, których działania moderowane są przez podmioty władcze. Po drugie, wprowadzenie multi-level governance na poziomie lokalnym poprzedzone jest regional governance na szczeblu krajów związkowych stanowiącą dostosowanie koncepcji governance do specyfiki państwa federalnego. Po trzecie, multi-level governance zostało wprowadzone w strukturę samorządu gminnego za pośrednictwem specjalnego typu zadań publicznych (Gemeinschaftsaufgaben).

European Multi-Level Governance

This paper represents an overview of the concept of multi-level governance and the approach delivered on innovation at European level with the purpose of helping and empowering researchers and businesses to thrive in a technologically advanced economy. The concept of multi-level governance derives from the analysis of the institutional framework for the development of Community policies and the Community political process. This stems from the presumption that the Community governance system has a high degree of differentiation and integration both vertically and horizontally. The multi-level governance model illustrates how certain competences of the national state are transferred to the supranational level or to the public or private sub-national authorities. Within this model, we can meet both supranational actors and actors at national, regional or local levels. This type of governance is characterized by the existence of a limited number of authorities, divided so as to be able to perform more functions, excluding their overlapping to exercise exclusively competences on delimited territories. Multi-level governance in innovation is characterized by a national transition as a unique place for the development and implementation of innovation policy, both at supranational and sub-national levels. Keyword: multi-level governance, European Union, development, social cohesion, institutions

Transformation of the system of the European union social policy management control methods

The author examines liberal, governance, intergovernmental approaches and neofunctionalism in the EU and European integration management; constructs regional policy, comitology system, «European» regulatory agencies. They are considered as the elements that modify the traditional management control method in the EU. The governance approach is used for the analysis of interactions, which are often referred to "low" policy – daily regulation. It determines the «political face» of the EU. The approach uses multi-level governance concept and the open method of coordination. The first one has a narrow testing scope and aims to explain only the integration realities; the other one is more of a universal character. Attempts to comprehend this method face the lack of empirical research due to the relative novelty of the open method of coordination and complex combination of horizontal and vertical processes within it.
 Keywords: European Union, system of management methods, social policy

Theorising migration policy in multilevel states: the multilevel governance perspective

At first glance, the concept of multilevel governance (MLG) seems to point to a quite obvious reality: all states are structured along multiple layers of government, and public policy, regardless o...