The European Centre for Research on Federalism (ECRF)
The European Centre for Research on Federalism (ECRF), established in 1993 by professors from various faculties and disciplines of the Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, deals with different aspects of the territorial dimension of politics in Europe, including the European Union (understood as a multi-level system), as well as other parts of the world:
the impact of federal principles on the territorial structure of states and the EU, and on decision-making processes in various policy fields;
processes of decentralisation, regionalisation and federalisation;
the role of regions and municipalities as actors within the respective states, in the EU-system, and in cross-border cooperation.
In its activities in the above mentioned fields, the ECRF puts emphasis on linking theory and practice, on transnational/international cooperation, and on an interdisciplinary approach. Amongst these activities are: doing research projects; organising conferences; cooperating with respective institutions in Europe and worldwide (in the framework of the IACFS) and further developing this network. The ECRF is committed to support the research of federalism scholars across disciplines, especially through our publications:
The ECRF supports the research of federalism scholars by offering the opportunity of research visits. Early-career scholars in particular are encouraged to apply.