Climate policies in multilevel governance contexts: Intergovernmental relations at the subnational level in Spain

Abstract

Objectives: The article analyses intergovernmental relations (IGR) at the subnational level in climate policies in the Spanish case. More specifically, it aims to describe the basic aspects of IGR and identify the IGR instruments used by the actors involved in the policy, pointing out the differences that may exist between the different territories. Methodology: The methodology used is qualitative in nature and resorts to the analysis of a variety of documentary sources (regulations drawn up by the Autonomous Regions on climate and energy, regional plans and strategies, government agreements and other relevant data contained in different institutional websites. Results: In most of the Autonomous Communities (ACs) a variety of IGRs involving regional and local governments can be identified. In these interactions the representatives of the ACs tend to play a leading role, although there are differences between territories. IGRs are developed through a variety of instruments, including coordination and cooperation bodies, intergovernmental funding, and trainings, technical assistance, and information exchange initiatives. Conclusions: The leading role acquired by the ACs in this field, as well as the basic structural factors limiting the capabilities of most local governments, make it unlikely that significant changes will occur in the short term. However, the impact of the European Union, which is clearly felt in the overall IGR system, must also be considered.