Although these territories have had these political powers since 1982, when France's decentralisation policy dictated that they be given elected regional councils along with other regional powers, the designation overseas regions dates only to the 2003 constitutional change; indeed, the new wording of the constitution aims to give no precedence to either appellation overseas department or overseas region'', although the second is still virtually unused by French media.
although these territories have had these political powers since 1982 when france's decentralisation policy dictated that they be given elected regional councils along with other regional powers the designation overseas regions dates only to the 2003 constitutional change; indeed the new wording of the constitution aims to give no precedence to either appellation overseas department or overseas region'' although the second is still virtually unused by french media