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Does Inter-Municipal Cooperation Lead to Territorial Consolidation? A Comparative Analysis of Selected European Cases in Times of Crisis

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Local Public Sector Reforms in Times of Crisis

Part of the book series: Governance and Public Management ((GPM))

Abstract

The paper analyzes the impact of inter-municipal cooperation on territorial fragmentation on the basis of a European comparison of the cases of Slovakia, Slovenia, and the German Land Brandenburg. While in Brandenburg all IMC types utilized intensively, in Slovakia quasi-regional governments and service delivery organizations and in Slovenia only the latter ones are dominant. In general, the IMC may be a challenge to a sub-optimal municipal size and to overcome shortcomings associated with territorial fragmentation. Under favorable conditions as in Brandenburg, the IMC has led to territorial consolidation. Under unfavorable conditions, as in Slovakia and Slovenia, it may even be inefficient, opportunistic and sustain territorial fragmentation as well as prevent any amalgamation reform.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany

    Jochen Franzke

  2. Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia

    Daniel Klimovský

  3. St. Cyril and Methodius University, Trnava, Slovakia

    Uroš Pinterič

Authors
  1. Jochen Franzke
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  2. Daniel Klimovský
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  3. Uroš Pinterič
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Political Science, Administration and Organization, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany

    Sabine Kuhlmann

  2. Faculty of Social Sciences, KU Leuven Public Governance Institute, Leuven, Belgium

    Geert Bouckaert

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Franzke, J., Klimovský, D., Pinterič, U. (2016). Does Inter-Municipal Cooperation Lead to Territorial Consolidation? A Comparative Analysis of Selected European Cases in Times of Crisis. In: Kuhlmann, S., Bouckaert, G. (eds) Local Public Sector Reforms in Times of Crisis. Governance and Public Management. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-52548-2_5

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