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Globalization is frequently assumed to be responsible for creating the economic environment in which a much greater degree of European Union (EU) economic integration is deemed necessary. In contrast, this paper argues that globalization, in conjunction with neo-liberal growth, has led to autonomization as well as integration. The term autonomization designates both that economic governance is increasingly delegated to autonomous regions, and that neo-liberal economic policies tend to fragment and divide in their pursuit of growth. The paper investigates the tension between the role in which globalization has cast the region, and the region as a central player in the EU's cohesion strategy. Cohesion policy-measures to combat underdevelopment and backwardness-plays a key role in integration and growth strategies. It is argued that cohesion has become detached from its redistributive origins and incorporated in a discourse of competitiveness and growth. The region has emerged as both the site upon which the global acts upon the EU, and the level at which the EU has determined that the processes of globalization can best be accommodated. It is suggested that the tension between cohesion and autonomization introduced by globalization is a central dynamic at work in the contemporary EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper positions transport at the edge of localization and globalization forces. Drastic changes in industrial organization, transportation systems, trade patterns and environmental quality conditions make the transport and communication sector an internally contrasting and disputed activity with many pros and cons, which are reflected in serious dilemmas and policy uncertainties, at different levels of governance. In order to cope with long-range uncertainties the use of scenarios analysis is advocated. The paper then develops three scenarios and analyses them by using the recently developed spider model. The paper is concluded with some policy lessons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Intra-European transport policy has gradually moved towards a liberalized regime, both within most nations and the EU as an entity. Globalization trends and other, more limited aspects of internationalization, imply that the next phase is the greater integration of European economies with other economic systems. This is already taking place, but its fulfilment will involve new thinking regarding the roles of national and regional institutions. This paper looks at the nature of the future challenges that face European transport policy makers to meet this larger geographical remit and examine the forms of institutional structures which may permit an efficient transition. To substantiate alternative hypotheses, the paper will examine the various efforts that have been made to date in different transport fields in developing wider international structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]