Decentralization

Decentralization means measures which are aimed within centralized and hierarchically organized states to promote subsidiarity. Decentralization processes can lead to federal political systems, as happened for example in Belgium.

Causes

Within Europe, decentralization efforts are triggered by the requirements of the European integration. As European Union funding will be allocated and managed regionally, at least administrative structures must be created to provide this regional level.

Another cause is considered the need to respond to regional identities and sensibilities. Thus, decentralization can dwell a peacekeeping function by nationalist movements are counteracted by the increase in regional autonomy.

Molding

Decentralization occurs in three stages. The administrative decentralization, deconcentration also involves the transfer of management tasks to regional level, while the decision-making power at the national level. The regional levels are created only executive organs of the central competent ministries at this stage. An example of this is the 1789/1790 set up departments in France, which was first broadcast in 1981 own administration responsibility.

In the executive decentralization also part of the management of the state sub-state to the level be issued. The authorities are in contrast to administrative decentralization not only the " Elongated arms " of a ministry, but do their tasks autonomously.

In the third stage, the legislative decentralization, transfers the legislature at the state level legislative powers to a regional parliament. While federalism in the presumption of competence - that is, the principal responsibility for the legislation - is settled principle subnational, it remains with States that promote decentralization, at the national level.