This paper analyzes the links among Europeanization, multilevel governance, and international activities of local governments. To do so, a revision of the literature on these three areas is provided, with a special em...This paper analyzes the links among Europeanization, multilevel governance, and international activities of local governments. To do so, a revision of the literature on these three areas is provided, with a special emphasis on the effects that the Europeanization process （hierarchical and horizontal） and multilevel governance （type I and type II） have had over the internationalization of local governments. Thus, local governments＇ international activities have evolved and adapted to a complex system of governance. Furthermore, the paper offers a reflection on current trends such as European Union （EU） and national programmes aimed at fostering International initiatives of local governments, and the impact of the economic crisis on these activities.展开更多
In the last years, Europe has aimed at the creation of a new European public sphere that has grown beside and has not replaced the national ones; a public sphere in which the idea of Europe as a shared value, as a rea...In the last years, Europe has aimed at the creation of a new European public sphere that has grown beside and has not replaced the national ones; a public sphere in which the idea of Europe as a shared value, as a reality of nations, but also as a reality of regions and cities, can build and develop. This aim is the result of a long discussion that has led to consider the public communication as a fundamental instrument supporting the dialogue between institutions and citizens and the result of an important sociological debate. Communication is nowadays considered as a structural element of Union＇s programs, and the transformation of the media system, the possibilities of communication offered by the social media, and the growth of participatory cultures have opened new ways to the development of European public communication that can contribute to increasing the European public sphere. This process involves an awareness from institutions and their representatives on the use of social media （e.g., Facebook, Twitter, etc.） to improve the relationship with the citizens and to create a sense of belonging to Europe.展开更多
文摘This paper analyzes the links among Europeanization, multilevel governance, and international activities of local governments. To do so, a revision of the literature on these three areas is provided, with a special emphasis on the effects that the Europeanization process （hierarchical and horizontal） and multilevel governance （type I and type II） have had over the internationalization of local governments. Thus, local governments＇ international activities have evolved and adapted to a complex system of governance. Furthermore, the paper offers a reflection on current trends such as European Union （EU） and national programmes aimed at fostering International initiatives of local governments, and the impact of the economic crisis on these activities.
文摘In the last years, Europe has aimed at the creation of a new European public sphere that has grown beside and has not replaced the national ones; a public sphere in which the idea of Europe as a shared value, as a reality of nations, but also as a reality of regions and cities, can build and develop. This aim is the result of a long discussion that has led to consider the public communication as a fundamental instrument supporting the dialogue between institutions and citizens and the result of an important sociological debate. Communication is nowadays considered as a structural element of Union＇s programs, and the transformation of the media system, the possibilities of communication offered by the social media, and the growth of participatory cultures have opened new ways to the development of European public communication that can contribute to increasing the European public sphere. This process involves an awareness from institutions and their representatives on the use of social media （e.g., Facebook, Twitter, etc.） to improve the relationship with the citizens and to create a sense of belonging to Europe.
