Theme

Regional integration

Regional integration refers to a process where neighboring states agree to intensify their cooperation through common rules and common institutions. While the European integration process with the European Union (EU) is by far the most extensive example of regional integration, similar processes has been launched both in Africa (African Union), Asia (ASEAN).

Regional integration can be organized either via supranational institutional structures or through intergovernmental decision-making, or a combination of both.

Regional integration often starts with a removal of barriers to free trade in the region, increasing the free movement of people, labour, goods, and capital across national borders, reducing the possibility of regional armed conflict and adopting cohesive regional stances on policy issues, such as the environment, climate change and migration.

Regional integration in Europe is by far the most extensive integration process. It started out as a peace project after the end of the second world war (in the 1950s) and was consolidated with the Treaty on the European Union (the Maastricht Treaty), which came into force in November 1993 and established the European Union. Since then it has continued to develop and to adapt to a changing geopolitical and intra-European context.

Examples of NUPI's research areas on regional integration includes:

The European Union (the EU) and EEA
The African Union
Nordic cooperation
Regional integration in Asia and Eurasia (ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU))

News about regional integration

The crises threatening the EU today
5 Mar 2021
- - Ane Teksum Isbrekken
Corona crisis, legitimization crisis and climate crisis. These are merely a few of the obstacles currently facing the EU. How is it coping? And where will the EU find itself in 2025? EU crisis management is in focus in a new book by Prof. Marianne Riddervold (NUPI and HINN)...

The EU Europe Regional integrasjon Utenrikspolitikk Diplomacy Diplomati og utenrikspolitikk Styring
NUPI replaces NRK P2's 'Ekko' this week

7 Dec 2020

NUPI has produced ten hours of high quality radio about foreign policy and international relations. The programs will air on NRK P2 during week 50, Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 11.00. Tune in!

Utenrikspolitikk Diplomacy Europe International organizations Security policy Cyber Etterretning Defence Terrorisme og ekstremisme Peace operations Humanitarian issues Conflict resolution Migrasjon Nasjonalisme Russia and Eurasia Asia Pandemier Sårbare stater Opprørsgrupper United Nations Styring The EU Globalisering Trade International economics Internasjonale investeringer Regional integrasjon Economic growth Energy Hav Climate Africa The Middle East and North Africa North America South and Central America
Book launch: EEA and the alternatives – what about NOREXIT?

9 Nov 2020

What are the alternatives to the EEA Agreement? What happens if Norway joins the EU, or if the EEA is terminated? A new book edited by Arne Melchior and Frode Nilssen looks into this.

Trade The EU Utenrikspolitikk Regional integrasjon Economic growth International economics Europe

All news about regional integration (total 8)

Publications about regional integration

Publication : Academic article
Russia's Neighborhood Policy and Its Eurasian Client States: No Autocracy Export
2021
- - Helge Blakkisrud
Do authoritarian regimes engage in active export of their political systems? Or are they primarily concerned about their geopolitical interests? This article explores these questions by examining Russia's policy towards Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Transnistria. In all three de facto states, Moscow...
Regional integrasjon Utenrikspolitikk Russia and Eurasia Sårbare stater
Publication : Report
The Pandemic as a Litmus Test for (Dis)Engagement of External Powers in Central Asia
2020
- - Roman Vakulchuk
This study provides an empirical overview of pandemic-related external assistance to the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan by partner countries and international organisations between March and September 2020. This state-of-the-art review of Central Asia official...
International economics Regional integrasjon Russia and Eurasia Asia Pandemier Styring International organizations
Publication : Report
Discovering Opportunities in the Pandemic? Four Economic Response Scenarios for Central Asia
2020
- - Roman Vakulchuk
The COVID-19 crisis represents not only an unprecedented economic disruption but also an opportunity for Central Asia. A specific economic policy response may trigger either game-changing reforms that can facilitate the development of full-fledged market institutions or lead to a protracted crisis that...
International economics Economic growth Trade Regional integrasjon Asia Styring