The multi-level governance of the European Union: the role of the local government

Abstract

Local development is an integral part of the progress of a country. It directly affects the improvement of their citizens’ life. The role of the local government is to provide better services and more effective governing by bringing the government closer to its citizens and providing a better understanding of their needs. Good governance is about efficiency, democracy, and accountability, that is principles of the foundation of an independent and competent local government. The following paper takes a closer look at the multilevel government of the European Union, focusing on the importance and role of the local government. This paper points out all the aspects of cooperation between the smallest units of government of each member state and the European Union, to show the ways in which it affects and improves governance at these two levels. This paper explains the mutual role of these two levels of government (multi-level governance) and analyzes the principle of subsidiarity, the political and institutional aspects of how this cooperation was created, and what effects it brings.

Keywords

• european union
• multi-level governance
• local governance
• local units
• regional units
• regional authorities
• committee of the regions
• the principle of subsidiarity