The impact of Europeanization on national planning systems. A comparison of spatial planning processes in Italy and Romania

Europeanization refers to the process of integrating EU public policy into the domestic discourse and national policy. Two main mechanisms of Europeanization of national planning can be identified: a soft mechanism characterized by policy transfer and learning, and a hard mechanism determined by the obligation to comply to EU regulations. The aim of the article is to assess the impact of Europeanization on the national planning systems of Italy and Romania. A comparative analysis of the two planning systems was realized, using four criteria: general characteristics, evolution of planning instruments, integration of EU policies and relation with EU planning concepts and discourse. The results showcase that both planning systems have undergone a transition towards more strategic instruments, often developed independently from the planning legislation. However, both planning systems need to be reformed, having difficulties in adapting both their structure and local planning cultures to new demands that European models convey. With both countries currently planning major legislative changes in the field of spatial planning, it remains to be seen to what extent will the Europeanization process affect future planning provisions.