Decentralisation Conference Portugal

BACKGROUND:

After the « no » at the referendum on regionalisation in 1998, Portugal is currently discussing again a reform of its territorial structure. Whilst the debate shows a clear consensus on the need to move towards more decentralisation, the question now is: Which kind of decentralised structure does Portugal need? What can we learn from the experience of other countries in Europe which went through the same process? Are decentralised systems necessarily more expensive and more complex? What can we learn from the experience of the Azores or Madeira, having a special autonomy status? To what extent do decentralised structures help countries to better face current challenges, such as the economic crisis, demographic and climate changes, governance and democratic participation?

KEY QUESTIONS:
These questions will be at the heart of the Seminar ‘Territorial systems in Europe: Which are the various existing models? How do they perform? ’

ORGANISERS:

• Assembly of European Regions (AER)
• Think Tank ConstruirIdeias.

CONTENT:
Models from various countries in Europe will be presented by elected decision-makers and practitioners. The AER study ‘From subsidiarity to success’, as well as the recently published AER report on territorial systems in Europe, which covers each of the 47 Member States of the Council of Europe, will guide the discussions. The debates will also benefit from the expertise of the Think Tank ConstruirIdeias.