Principle of subsidiarity

Definition

The principle of subsidiarity is a guiding concept in governance that holds that matters should be handled by the smallest, lowest, or least centralized competent authority. It aims to ensure that decisions are made as close to the citizen as possible, promoting local governance and community involvement while allowing higher levels of government to intervene only when necessary. This principle emphasizes the importance of local autonomy and responsiveness in addressing social and political issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The principle of subsidiarity is enshrined in the Treaty on European Union (TEU), particularly in Article 5, which emphasizes that the EU should act only if objectives cannot be sufficiently achieved by member states.
2. It encourages local decision-making by placing authority at the level closest to the affected citizens, promoting efficiency and responsiveness in governance.
3. This principle has implications for how the European Convention on Human Rights is implemented, allowing for flexibility in addressing human rights issues at the local level before higher authorities get involved.
4. Subsidiarity aims to balance power between different levels of government, ensuring that larger governing bodies do not overstep their bounds into matters best managed by smaller entities.
5. In practice, the principle can enhance democratic participation by empowering communities to engage directly in governance, potentially leading to more tailored solutions for local issues.

Review Questions

• How does the principle of subsidiarity promote local governance within the context of the European Convention on Human Rights?
  • The principle of subsidiarity enhances local governance by ensuring that decisions related to human rights are made at the level closest to the affected individuals. This means that local authorities have the primary responsibility for addressing human rights issues before higher-level interventions are considered. By empowering local entities, subsidiarity fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among communities, which can lead to more effective protection and promotion of human rights.
• In what ways does the principle of subsidiarity influence decision-making processes within the European Union?
  • Within the European Union, the principle of subsidiarity influences decision-making by requiring that action is taken at a higher level only when objectives cannot be sufficiently achieved at lower levels. This means that member states retain significant autonomy in their domestic affairs unless there is a clear need for EU intervention. The application of this principle encourages member states to prioritize local solutions while also ensuring that collective goals can be addressed effectively when necessary.
• Evaluate the impact of subsidiarity on human rights enforcement across different levels of governance in Europe.
  • The impact of subsidiarity on human rights enforcement is significant as it shapes how rights are addressed across various levels of governance. By prioritizing local authority in handling human rights issues, it allows for more context-sensitive responses that reflect specific community needs. However, this can also lead to inconsistencies in how rights are protected across different regions. The tension arises when local interpretations may conflict with broader human rights standards upheld at national or EU levels, challenging effective enforcement and creating potential disparities in protection.

Related terms

Decentralization: The process of redistributing or dispersing functions, powers, people, or decision-making away from a central authority to local or regional authorities.

Local Governance: The administration and decision-making processes carried out by local authorities that are closest to the community and its members.

European Union: A political and economic union of member states located primarily in Europe, which operates on principles including subsidiarity to determine the allocation of powers between the EU and its member states.