Systems of multilevel governance[1]

Representation: Municipalities and regions are represented before the central authorities by the associations Local Government Denmark (Kommunernes Landsforening – KL) and Danish Regions (Danske Regioner) respectively.

The regions have the task to advise the municipalities on regional development and spatial planning. The European Regional Development Fund was implemented through the Regional Growth Forums (RGF), one per region and one additional for the island of Bornholm, up until December 2018. The RGF, managed at national level by the Danish Growth Council, aimed at implementing regional development strategies.

From 2019, the Danish Business Promotion Board depending on the Danish Business Authority replaces the regional growth forums and the main changes consist in the fact that the regions are cut off from carrying out their own business promotion efforts, notably in the context of tourism. Public transport, cultural enterprise, education about the environment, future development of the region within infrastructure, development in the peripheral areas, nature and recreational activities, green restructuring and climate adaptation as well as possibly cross-border cooperation remain the responsibility of the regions in the context of regional development.

All three levels of governance (national, regional, and municipal) also work together on specific matters, for instance digitalisation.

Consultation: Although there is no formal framework regulating consultation procedures, in accordance with the Parliament Rules of Procedures, the Parliament must consult all the relevant partners prior to the presentation of a bill. KL and Danish Regions as well as individual LRAs are thus consulted.[1]

Coordination: The LRA associations cooperate with the ministries on the improvement of the public administration system. Furthermore, they coordinate with regard to the national economic policy and their financial needs. Every year, the central government and the LRA associations conclude an agreement – not legally binding – on the central grants and local taxation, and this is provided to LRAs.[2]

[1] Council of European Municipalities and Regions, Study on 'Consultation procedures within European States', 2007, pp.45-49.

[2] Congress of local and regional authorities of Europe, Local and regional democracy in Denmark - CG (12) 8 Part II, 2005.