MATRA PATROL - Decentralisation

Please note that this training programme has already taken place

Countries that are on the road to European Union (EU) accession need to meet the Copenhagen criteria before being admitted as a member to the Union. The stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy is one of these criteria, and the public administration system needs to be functioning well on all government levels, from state government to provinces, towns and municipalities. The White Paper on European Governance, published by the European Commission in 2001, formulates five main principles of good governance: openness, participation, accountability, effectiveness and coherence. Taking subsidiarity and proportionality into account, as laid down in the European Charter of Local Self-Government, each policy area should be allocated to the lowest possible government layer.

At the same time, public administration at all levels has to be prepared for the implications of EU laws and regulations and should be aware of the possibilities of EU funds and subsidies. On an increasing scale EU regulation and policy influences the work of provinces and municipalities, and a considerable part of the implementation and execution of EU regulation is the responsibility of decentralised governments. Involving municipalities and provinces is therefore crucial for an effective implementation of EU-rules and policies.

Training programme

The training programme increases awareness of policy and decision makers at national and subnational government level on fields related to decentralisation and the EU, such as European regulations, lobbying techniques, European subsidies and international cooperation between European regional government bodies.

After completing the course, participantshavesufficientknowledgeof decentralisation processes,EUregulationsandfundingtoimplement and coordinate decentralisation processes in theirrespectivecountries.Theyareawareof the importance ofgoodgovernance at all government levels and have insight in theelementsthatcontributetoeffective interadministrative relations. They are able toassessthelevelofdecentralisationin theircountry and have made anaction plan to further supportthe process. Participants have knowledge on EU funding and subsidies and are able to influence EU policy making and regulations.

Target group

Senior civil servants and policy makers at national Ministries or subnational governments charged with the development and implementation of decentralisation policies in their respective countries.

Information and training programme organisation

The Hague Academy for Local Governance
Website:                               www.thehagueacademy.com
E-mail:                                 info@thehagueacademy.com