DECENTRALIZATION AS A TREND OF DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN EUROPEAN STATES

Abstract

The article analyzes the mechanism of functioning of a decentralized government model in European countries. The
modern theoretical approaches concerning principles, content and forms of decentralization, its separate components,
types and models of realization are generalized. The emphasis has been placed on the basic principles of functioning of
the decentralization of power: the municipal autonomy, the inter independence of self-governing units of territorial
division, the division of powers and responsibilities between central, regional and local government, as well as the
protection of the rights and interests of local self-government bodies. There is also financial independence as a necessary
and key element of municipal autonomy. It is noted that the process of decentralization in European countries is possible
on several aspects, namely, taking into account its influence on the territorial organization of the state, the system of public
administration bodies, their purpose, the object and functions, as well as the distribution of powers and resources.
On the basis of the theoretical analysis of the main types of decentralization by subjects and spheres of influence:
territorial, functional and objective decentralization, the main attention has been paid to territorial decentralization and
three of its system-forming elements are emphasized: political decentralization, financial (fiscal) and administrative
decentralization. Political decentralization is characterized by the presence of constitutional guarantees regarding the
formation of a system of local self-government bodies and their independence from the state and by its representative
character. Financial or fiscal decentralization involves the availability of its own financial and material resources, and
means the exercise of authority concerning with ownership, use and disposal of financial resources that are owned by
communities. Administrative decentralization lies in the fact that local governments are tasked with, and, therefore the
functions and powers, to meet public interest within the territory. The main forms of administrative decentralization, such
as deconcentration, delegation and devolution are also have been considered in this article.
Differentiation of decentralization of power into different types is due to the fact that they have excellent characteristics,
results of implementation and conditions for success.