Hierarchy and Interdependence in Multi-Level Structures: Foreign and European Relations of Belgian, German and Austrian Federated Entities

Analyzing the relationship between federalism and European integration—specifically the impact of Europeanization on the three European Union member states that are constitutionally federal—this study explores ideas of hierarchy and interdependence alongside current problems manifested in historic governmental structure. By characterizing institutional and structural features of the federal states, this comparative analysis shows that European integration has an impact on federalism and that a growing institutional interdependence is emerging between the levels of governance in Belgium, Germany, and Austria.