“…These studies suggest that while the Commission initially sought to advance regionalization in CEE countries, inspired by ideals of multi-level governance, as accession grew closer its position shifted to ensuring that the funds were absorbed on time, even if this meant (2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006) they were managed centrally through national ministries (Marcou 2002, 25;Leonardi 2005, 164). Bailey and De Propris's (2002) study of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia identified national government 'gatekeepers' 'firmly in control' of subnational actors, who were able to participate in but not significantly influence the policy process. Gordon's (2004, 2005) research on Estonia, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia emphasized the importance of historical institutional traditions in each state in shaping the degree of regionalization emerging, echoing the findings of the earlier research on the EU15.…”