Strength in Unity: Regionalism's Role in Community Building

 By Carina Macdonald





Regionalism can be described as the bedrock of progress and success of regions worldwide, providing the foundations through which all identities and opinions are acknowledged and addressed effectively. The European Union (EU) serves as a prominent exemplification of how regionalism plays a vital role in community building through cooperation and mutual understanding between all member states, while simultaneously fostering positive inter-state relations, inclusive politics, and a stronger economy. 

The EU has encouraged strong collaboration within the 242 represented regions in the 24 member states. This extensive and diverse structure showcases the way regionalism works to address social, economic and political challenges effectively. By accommodating the many identities and interests of various regions, the EU is able to inhabit an increasingly inclusive political community. Such an approach does not merely permit the formulation of adaptable policies, it also looks to broaden the engagement in politics at both the local and global level. Bearing this in mind, regionalism acts as a springboard within the EU for enhanced political cohesion and productive governance, which ensures to benefit a sizeable spectrum which considers societal needs alongside predilections. 

Convivially, the EU’s approach to facilitating cultural education within all member states is strikingly inclusive and neoteric as displayed through the Erasmus+ program. This initiative has contributed to a large degree in the maintenance of positive inter-state relations and cultural integration, predominantly amongst the EU’s younger generation. Holding a sizeable budget of €2.2 billion, Erasmus+ allocates 30% of this into regional collaboration and policy developments. Such financial commitment ensures that the program plays an influential role in driving innovation and building a sense of community across the EU member states by contributing to sports, education and youth projects. For many years, Erasmus+ has enabled millions of students to gain invaluable experiences of cross-cultural exchange, maturation and unique educational experiences, while simultaneously making friends from a variety of regions in the EU. 

When analysing regionalism and its economic benefits, the development of economic blocs are a crucial mechanism. The economic blocs of the EU are the largest in the international system, and act as safety nets which protect regions from external financial competition, and therefore safeguards the sovereignty of all EU members. For example, the EU is a free trade area, which is regulated by standardised regulations and clear trade tariffs. Economic standardisation encourages intra-regional cooperation and respect which enhances the economic prosperity for all. These dynamics can be understood further when applying the gravity model of trade lens, which asserts that the amount of trading that occurs between two regions is proportional to the prominence of their  economic structures and distance between them. Regionalism, through reducing trade barriers with economic blocs, facilitates economic integration and shortening the economic distance, while advocating higher volumes of trade between the EU member states. As a result, a community for trade, and economic collaboration has been built, proven by the EU holding the largest economy in the world with a GDP of €25,000 per head for its 440 million citizens. 

In summation, the EU’s support for regionalism through programs such as Erasmus+, substantial political representation and robust economic assurances has improved social cohesion, political stability and economic prosperity across all member regions. Strength in unity due to regionalism has proven itself as a vital attribute to community building and the success of the European Union. 



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