Multilevel system
The term multi-level system comes from systems theory of the 1960s and 1970s and was used early on in the analysis of technical systems. It is now mainly used in social science disciplines, especially in political science . Multi-level system (Engl. Multi-level governance ) there means the complex of relationships of various horizontal and vertical political decision-making structures, as in some modern political systems can be found.
In contrast to the forms of the classical state organization such as the federal federal state or the unitary state , it is no longer possible in the multi-level system to define clear competencies and to structure the whole in a hierarchical manner. Multi-level systems are characterized by a more or less pronounced political integration . An example of a multilevel system with comparatively weak political integration between the levels is the political system of the USA ; on the other hand, the political interdependence in the multilevel system of federalism in Germany and in the European Union is very pronounced. Social subsystems, such as the education system, are also analyzed as “multi-level systems”.
Application of the concept
Research in the European Union is characterized by two theoretical phases. The first phase was shaped by studies from international relations ; in the second phase these studies were repeated and impressions of, among other things, the public policy were added. The most direct way to understand this shift is to stop understanding it as an international organization, but instead as a unique entity among international organizations.
The theory of multi-level governance or the multi-level system belongs to the second phase. Multi-level governance characterizes the changing relationships between actors - from the private and public sectors - who are on different territorial levels. The multi-level governance theory deals with the traditionally separate areas, national and international politics, and illuminates the increasingly weaker boundaries between the areas in the context of European integration . The multilevel governance theory was initially developed as an approach to studying European policy content and was later applied as an approach to studying general decision-making processes.
The concept of the multi-level system can be best represented in the political structure of the European Union. Because in the complex, historically grown organizational structure based on numerous agreements, in addition to the dynamic development of European integration, above all, a complex network of relationships between different political levels is reflected.
European decisions are made either in the supranational institutional structure of the EU, at the national level or sub-nationally (regional and local) and implemented administratively. Since the EU can neither be characterized as a classic federal state nor classified into the type of confederation of states , the concept of confederation of states has established itself in German-speaking jurisprudence . The European system has so far not been comparable to any other, which is why one speaks of its sui generis character. The concept of the multi-level system must be distinguished from the concept of federalism . Because in the multi-level system, the state quality of the jurisdictions (judicial authority) is not necessarily required. According to Georg Jellinek , the term state can be defined by the three elements state territory, state people and state authority ( three-element theory ). However, the EU does not correspond to a sovereign state, as it does not exercise sole, comprehensive and in principle unlimited power.
As already mentioned above, a multilevel system is the network of relationships between at least two hierarchically arranged levels in a political system. In addition to the European level as a supranational body, the European Union also has the national level, the regional level and transnational actors . The following table is intended to show that there is a mutual influence of the various levels. There is both top-down and bottom-up influence. On the one hand, both regional and national levels have the opportunity to participate in European decisions; on the other hand, there is also retroactive effect of European decisions on national and regional level.
| level | organs | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Supranational level | European Commission , European Parliament , European Court of Justice | At this level the "European idea" is in the foreground. The member states have transferred their sovereignty from the national to a higher level, ie the listed bodies can pass resolutions which are binding for all member states and must be implemented in national law. |
| National level | European Council , Council of Ministers | At this level, the nation states play an important role. The EU ministers of the individual departments are bound by the instructions of the national governments. Both the Council of Ministers and the European Council reflect national interests. |
| Regional level | Committee of the Regions, Economic and Social Committee | This level has no authority to issue instructions, but is required to be heard. In the case of relevant issues, the bodies mentioned must be heard. |
| Transnational Actors | NGOs , institutes, associations | Transnational actors also play an essential role within the EU. The Treaty on European Union (TEU) stipulates that representative associations and civil society are to be involved in the legislative process. The aim is to improve the quality of European regulation and to strengthen the legitimacy of the EU through more transparency and an open dialogue. |
See also
literature
- Achim Brunnengräber , Heike Walk (Ed.): Multi-Level-Governance. Climate, environmental and social policy in an interdependent world. Writings on Governance Research, Nomos, Baden-Baden 2007; ISBN 978-3-8329-2706-6
- Jürgen Kussau, Thomas Brüsemeister: Educational Governance: For the coordination of actions in the multi-level school system. In: Herbert Altrichter , Thomas Brüsemeister and Jochen Wissinger (eds.): Educational Governance - coordination and control in the education system ; Publishing house for social sciences: Wiesbaden 2007; ISBN 978-3-531-15279-0 ; Pp. 15-54.
- Kai Wegrich: Management in the multilevel system of the federal states. Governance forms between hierarchy, cooperation and management. VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaft, Wiesbaden 2006; ISBN 3531146106
- Thomas König (ed.): The European multi-level system. Campus-Verlag, Frankfurt / Main 1996; ISBN 3593355264
- Johannes Huinink : Multi-level system models in the social sciences. German Univ.-Verl., Wiesbaden 1989; ISBN 3-8244-4017-2
- Quirin Weber: Parliament - Place of Political Decision? Legitimation problems of modern parliamentarianism - illustrated using the example of the Federal Republic of Germany , Helbing Lichtenhahn Verlag, Basel 2011, ISBN 978-3-7190-3123-7 , pp. 191 ff., 260 ff., 319 f., 408 ff.
- Dieter Nohlen , Florian Grotz (ed.): Small Lexicon of Politics , Munich, 2011 5 .
- Ingeborg Tömmel: The political system of the EU , Munich, 2008 3 .
- Werner Weidenfeld , Wolfgang Wessels (ed.): Europe from A to Z. Paperback of European integration , Baden-Baden, 2004.