The Rescaling of Urban Governance in The European Union

In the contemporary era of globalization, the dynamics of urban spaces and state institutions are undergoing significant transformations. The literature on globalization often emphasizes the disembodiment of social relations from their local-territorial pre-conditions. However, this perspective overlooks the crucial role of relatively fixed and immobile forms of territorial organization, such as urban-regional agglomerations and territorial states, upon which the current round of globalization is premised. This article argues that processes of reterritorialization, which involve the re-configuration and re-scaling of forms of territorial organization like cities and states, are an intrinsic part of the current global dynamics. Globalization is thus conceived as a reterritorialization of both socio-economic and political-institutional spaces that unfold simultaneously across multiple, superimposed geographical scales. The territorial organization of contemporary urban spaces and state institutions must be viewed as a presupposition, a medium, and an outcome of this highly conflictual dynamic of global spatial restructuring. This article will analyze various dimensions of urban governance in contemporary Europe as expressions of a politics of scale emerging at the geographical interface between processes of urban restructuring and state territorial restructuring.

Urban governance refers to the processes through which governments (local, regional, and national) and stakeholders collectively decide how to plan, finance, and manage urban areas. It involves a continuous process of negotiation and contestation over the allocation of social and material resources and political power. Urban governance is profoundly political, influenced by the creation and operation of political institutions, government capacity to make and implement decisions, and the extent to which these decisions recognize and respond to the interests of the poor. It encompasses a host of economic and social forces, institutions, and relationships, including labor markets, goods and services, household and social relationships, and basic infrastructure, land, services, and public safety. Effective urban governance plays a critical role in shaping the physical and social character of urban regions, influencing the quantity and quality of local services and the efficiency of their delivery. It also determines the sharing of costs and distribution of resources among different groups and affects residents’ ability to access local government and engage in decision-making, thereby influencing local government accountability and responsiveness to citizen demands.

Globalization has led to significant changes in the way urban areas are governed and managed. The increasing interconnectedness of the world has brought about new challenges and opportunities for cities, requiring them to adapt and respond to global trends and pressures. In this context, urban governance has become a crucial tool for managing the impacts of globalization on urban areas. Cities are increasingly seen as key actors in the global economy, and their governance structures and policies have a significant impact on their competitiveness and sustainability. Effective urban governance in the era of globalization requires a balance between promoting economic growth and ensuring social equity and environmental sustainability. This involves the development of policies and strategies that address the needs of diverse urban populations, while also fostering innovation and resilience in the face of global challenges.

Reterritorialization is a process that involves the re-configuration and re-scaling of forms of territorial organization, such as cities and states. In the context of globalization, reterritorialization can be seen as a response to the challenges posed by the increasing interconnectedness of the world. Cities and states are reterritorializing their spaces and institutions in order to better position themselves in the global economy and to manage the impacts of globalization on their territories. This process involves the reorganization of urban spaces and state institutions at multiple geographical scales, from the local to the global. Reterritorialization can take various forms, including the creation of new urban regions, the restructuring of existing urban areas, and the development of new forms of governance and policy-making at different scales. In contemporary Europe, various dimensions of urban governance are analyzed as expressions of a politics of scale that emerges at the geographical interface between processes of urban restructuring and state territorial restructuring. This politics of scale involves the negotiation and contestation over the allocation of resources and power at different geographical levels, as cities and states seek to balance their local needs and global aspirations.

Urban governance in the era of globalization faces several challenges and opportunities. One of the main challenges is the need to balance economic growth with social equity and environmental sustainability. Cities are often under pressure to attract investment and promote economic development, which can lead to the neglect of social and environmental issues. However, effective urban governance can help to address these challenges by promoting inclusive and sustainable development. Another challenge is the increasing complexity of urban governance, which involves multiple actors and institutions at different geographical scales. This requires the development of new forms of governance and policy-making that can effectively coordinate the actions of different stakeholders and levels of government. On the other hand, globalization also presents opportunities for cities to innovate and experiment with new forms of governance and policy-making. The increasing interconnectedness of the world provides cities with access to new resources and ideas, which can be used to develop more effective and sustainable governance models. Cities can also learn from each other’s experiences and best practices, and collaborate on common challenges and opportunities.

In conclusion, the dynamics of globalization have significant implications for urban governance. The process of reterritorialization, which involves the re-configuration and re-scaling of forms of territorial organization, is an intrinsic part of the current global dynamics. Urban governance in the era of globalization requires a balance between promoting economic growth and ensuring social equity and environmental sustainability. It also involves the development of new forms of governance and policy-making that can effectively coordinate the actions of different stakeholders and levels of government. By understanding the complex interplay between globalization, reterritorialization, and urban governance, cities can better position themselves in the global economy and manage the impacts of globalization on their territories. This requires a comprehensive and integrated approach to urban governance that takes into account the needs and aspirations of diverse urban populations, while also fostering innovation and resilience in the face of global challenges.