When the European Union says “Marco” do local governments say “Polo”? A case study on local governments in Skåne and their responses towards European integration

Sammanfattning: Local governments in Sweden live in a reality where the European Union has an increased impact on them, via legislation, policy making, EU-funding programs etc. This thesis focuses on local governments’ responses towards European integration. It does so by using elements of the theory of fusion – the fusing of institutional levels creates a world where the EU is the policy initiator, national governments are the transcribers and local governments are the implementers. In this thesis, fusion is used as an analytical tool consisting of three indicators: absorption, adaptation and action. These indicators work as a typology for local governments’ responses towards European integration. The study is conducted through an analysis of a representation group, focusing on how local governments in Skåne structure their responses. By conducting interviews with civil servants and applying the three indicators the thesis aim is to investigate and explore local governments’ responses towards European integration. The results indicate local governments share both similarities and differences in how they respond towards European integration.