The federal government in Rome would be empowered to dish out extra money to poor regions (see article).

ECONOMIST: Italy

But Spain's experience suggests that such misgivings are wrong, for it has seen endless competition among regions for extra powers.

ECONOMIST: Italian government

The Commission says an extra 9bn euros is needed for cohesion - that is, development projects in the EU's poorer regions - and an extra 2.2bn "to cover needs in practically all other areas of the budget, with the exception of administration, where no additional requests have been made".

BBC: UK challenges new EU demand for 2013 budget cash

Spain, since General Franco died in 1975, has boldly devolved, giving more power to 17 new regions, and extra power still to Basques and Catalans.

ECONOMIST: Devolution can be salvation

Smoking rates of 40% or more of the population are common in these regions, making for an extra-tough health hazard when medical services are as limited as filterless, hand rolled smokes are plentiful.

FORBES: Magazine Article

The current row started over extended player release from the Welsh regions for Wales coach Gatland who wanted extra time to prepare his Six Nations champions for their Cardiff clash with world champions South Africa on 8 November.

BBC: English chief warns Welsh rugby