Regional policies in European Union and regional strategies in Turkey

In today?s world, economic, political, military and ecological problems can be solved through cooperation at global level. As a result, on the one hand ?integration? movements continue, on the other hand, ?localization? increases at global level. ?Localization? means the prevalence of ?space? in social, cultural, economic and political field. Integration movements brought about by the globalization include the discovery of ?local?. Both as a consequence of ?localization? effect of globalization, and as a result of specific economic, political, administrative and cultural conditions, regional administrative units are now on the agenda of the European Union. European regions are consequence of decentralization, functional necessities, requirements of the public services and planned development. Differences of language, culture and identity can also be included into these factors. Sub-national units (regions/federate states having rather pragmatic attitudes) are encouraged to participate in the structuring and decision-making processes with the thoughts such as ?A Europe closer to citizens?, ?more democratic Europe?. On the other hand, there is an intensive pressure originating from the regions in the same direction. Thus, the European Union evolves into a three-layer structure consisting of the Union, nation-states and the regions. Because of administrative and economic factors, development requirements, elimination of regional disparities etc. it seems necessary to establish regional development units in Turkey. Regional development units will eliminate the problems arising from the lack of appropriate regional level, in line with the planned development principle specified by the Constitution of 1961.