Title: Functional regionalisation – the possibility of transferring competences from national authorities to the councils of development regions, with acomparative legal framework (V5-2384)
Head of the research group: prof. dr. Mirko Pečarič
The research project will carry out a comparative legal study of the regional organisation and competences of authorities in several EU countries and propose the transfer of tasks from national and local competences to development regions. The project will include a detailed analysis of the possibilities for the transfer of tasks, a comparative analysis of the legal regimes of the regions and their competences in the selected countries, and proposals for regulation in the Slovenian legal order. At present, there are no regions in Slovenia, but regional development is, of course, nevertheless – and appropriately to the circumstances or the legal basis – implemented through Regional Development Councils, Regional Councils and Development Agencies. The transfer of competences to development regions would allow for better performance of tasks and contribute to
increased development efficiency and effectiveness. Strengthening functional regions promotes the creation of the basis for future provinces. The aim of the research project is to identify the competences that could be devolved and to consider the material and temporal dynamics of devolution. The transfer of competences from the State to the development regions can be carried out by following a step-by-step approach. Firstly, it will be necessary to carry out a) a competences analysis (firstly, it is necessary to analyse the existing competences at national level and to identify which of them would be reasonable to transfer to the development regions. This includes the identification of tasks that can be efficiently carried out at regional level and have a benefit for the development of the regions), b) legal analysis (comparative analysis of the legal regime of regions and their competences in other EU countries; this part allows to gain insight into different models of regional regulation and to identify best practices that could be applied in the Slovenian legal order), c) preparation of a proposal (on the basis of the findings of the analyses, a proposal is prepared for the devolution of competences to the development regions in the Slovenian legal order), d) preparation of a proposal (on the basis of the findings of the analyses, a proposal is prepared for the devolution of competences to the development regions in the Slovenian legal order. The proposal must be consistent with constitutional provisions and legislation and take into account the specific needs and characteristics of Slovenian regional development), d) consensus and acceptance (the proposal for the transfer of competences is presented to interested stakeholders, such as state authorities, local authorities, regional development agencies and others. Cooperation and consensus building among stakeholders is crucial for a successful transfer of competencesI), e) gradual implementation (the transfer of competences can be implemented in a phased manner, with clearly defined phases and timeframes, allowing for an adequate transition and adaptation of both the national authorities and the development regions to the new competences and responsibilities).
Duration (from/to):
1. 10. 2023—30. 9. 2024
Contracting Authority:
Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency, Ministry of Public Administration & Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development
Financing:
The programme is being financed within A price category for 1 year.
