Federalism and Subsidiarity in the EU

FEDERALISM AND SUBSIDIARITY IN THE EU

LESSONS FOR CYPRUS

Subsidiarity as a feature of federalism and its implementation was the main issue addressed at a seminar entitled “Federalism and Subsidiarity in the EU – Lessons for Cyprus” organized by the Research Center – Intercollege on April 10.

Welcoming the panelists and audience the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria, Mrs. Eva Hager referred to the importance of the topic addressed as well as to the strengthening of the bonds between Austria and Cyprus on the academic level, highlighting the relevance of the work done by the Research Center – Intercollege.

Professor Heinrich Neisser of the Institute of Political Science at Innsbruck University and Former Representative of the Austrian Government to the EU, referred extensively to the legal basis and political dimension of the principle of subsidiarity in the EU as well as to the developments in the various countries in relation to the federal prospect and the idea of decentralization.

Ms Christina Ioannou, Researcher at the Research Center – Intercollege, analyzed the complexities of the coordination policies in the federal states of the EU in relation to the complexities related with the decision- and policy-making in the EU itself.

Prof. Andreas Theophanous, Director General of the Research Center – Intercollege elaborated on “Federalism and Lessons for Cyprus” focusing on the necessity for understanding the philosophical concepts of federalism on the one hand, as well as, on the other, the fact that each country has its own conditions and particularities and therefore needs to proceed accordingly. He submitted a set of “9+1 proposals” with the aim of enriching the historical compromise with the principles of the European political culture.

Chaired by Professor Michalis Attalides the seminar was followed by a question and answer session during which diplomats, academics, students and interested civilians attending contributed to a lively debate.

Research Center - Intercollege