Adapting to a Multilevel Administrative Space: The Administrative Integration of Norwegian and Swedish Subnational Bureaucracies

Abstract

Whereas a considerable literature emphasizes the role and function of municipalities and regions in the European Union (EU) as an expression of multilevel governance, a parallel literature has emerged which projects a view of the EU as an example of multilevel administration. This latter literature directs attention towards emerging vertical linkages implying new chains of accountability and control, yet it is unclear whether and how the subnational level fits into this assumed multilevel union administration. Moreover, its hierarchical focus contrasts with how, especially, the multilevel governance literature has tended to emphasize the opportunities arising from EU governance as much as the potential constraints. Drawing on a study of administrative EU work in Norwegian and Swedish municipalities, the paper argues that insights from the two literatures should be combined to gain a fuller understanding of how the subnational level adapts to an emerging integrated administrative space.