Federalism in the EU: Balancing Autonomy and Cohesion
- Date
- 9 March 2026
- Time
- 15:30 -17:00
- Location
- Roeterseilandcampus - building A
- Room
- A3.01
Abstract
There has been a long-standing debate about whether or not the EU is a federal system. Although that seems to be an academic question, it is nevertheless a sensitive one, to the point that the literature advises avoiding the “F-word”. Throughout the debate, the traditional view of federalism weighs heavily. This view revolves around a few model federations, and primarily the US. It reduces the issue to a question of power relations: who has what powers, and which level dominates? In doing so, the core issue is lost sight of. Ultimately, discussing federalism is about how best to structure a political system. Once that system is structured in layers of authority, the federal balance becomes important. This balance is not only about autonomy, but also about cohesion. The importance of this is especially evident today, when the liberal values of democracy and the rule of law are no longer supported by all Member States. This presentation, therefore, focuses on the federal balance and the importance of cohesion, and what this means for the EU.
About
Patricia Popelier is full professor at the law faculty of the University of Antwerp and director of the research group of government and law. She is also senior research fellow at the University of Kent, Centre for Federal Studies. Her main research topics are federalism and multilevel governance, constitutional review, legislative studies, and issues of legitimacy and legal certainty.
