Lobbyist och tjänsteman? En studie i regionrepresentantens tolkning av sin roll som verksam i Bryssel

The globalization has moved the decision making process in the EU closer to the citizens. Our regional offices are supposed to act as the citizen’s extended arm to the EU-institutions in Brussels. But acting as the voice of the people in an international context has proved not to be entirely uncomplicated. A good democratic legitimacy relies on the client’s ability to maintain the agencies with coordinated directives. Thereby, democratic legitimacy is founded in the citizen’s demand that these regional activities take a political responsibility, further that our civil servants respect democratic values. The thesis has made use of theories concerning both regional lobbying, border organizations and the role of the civil servant. Based on semi-structured interviews this case study shows that regional representatives are experiencing a sort of role conflict in this organizational structure. Their reality indicates that, as an official in dual roles, you are required to make accomplishments that is hard to live up to. This role conflict is based on the client’s unclear directives and that they do not understand the world the officials are facing in Brussels. By this problem the democratic legitimacy is wounded.