strategic support to local governance and decentralisation – a european perspective
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Strategic support to local governance and decentralisation – a European perspective. Tunis, 22 November 2012 Sandra Ceciarini (CEMR) and Ryan Knox (SKL International). Decentralisation as a European policy issue. Why support decentralisation? - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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Strategic support to local governance and decentralisation – a European perspective
Tunis, 22 November 2012Sandra Ceciarini (CEMR) and Ryan Knox (SKL
International)
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• Why support decentralisation?• European Charter of LSG as a driver for decentralisation• Recognition of LRAs in European development policy• Clearly defined role for LG in social welfare and service
delivery • New context for the next Communication• Agenda for change highlights: (i) need for multi-actor
approach and (ii) role of LRAs for good governance and democracy
• Complementarity between geographic and thematic programmes
• EC should take account of LRA rules/regulations of both northern and southern partners
• Multi-actor consultation required in programming and implmentation of programmes in partner countries
• Role of national Associations
Decentralisation as a European policy issue
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• Thematic local partnership between Swedish and Turkish Municipalities – and partnership between 2 national Associations
• Organisational strengthening of UMT (coordinated with UNDP)• UMT becomes more independent / active in lobbying (incl. LG finance)• UMT discusses options for permanent structure for inter-
governmental dialogue
Case 1: Strengthening a national association (Turkey)
Thematic area 1
Thematic area 2
Thematic area 3
Local authorities and other stakeholders
Local Government Associations
Upstream
Dissemination
Downstream
Project Management
Developing country Swedish side
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Ambitious decentralisation process introduced (2000), stalled Political fall-out affects local sector (2009 – 2011) Albanian Association of Communes maintains balance in membership
Enters into dialogue with central level on: Inter-governmental finance reform (coordinated with USAID) Examination of LG service delivery and organisational constraints Territorial amalgamation
Case 2: Support to inter-governmental reform dialogue (Albania)
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External consultancy support requested to define national decentralisation policy and roadmap for implementation
Focus on improved service delivery in district councils Step-by-step approach to strengthening (accountability
of) district councils – gradual transfer responsibilities
Case 3: Centrally-led decentralisation (Botswana)
Strong focus on coordination at national, district and local levels Coordination function envisaged within President’s Office: (i) to initiate
decentralisation process; (ii) to guide efforts of line ministries; (iii) as a referral agency for new proposals on legislation
Local coordination between District Councils and line ministries operating at the local level needed for consultation and planning, with input from appointed District Commissioner
To be combined with massive training efforts!
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Decentralisation addressed through combination of approaches/actors Political will is needed at all (especially central) levels Strong and independent LGAs are an important element of
decentralisation process; can ensure local considerations are reflected Clear definition of responsibilities is vital (legislation) Changes in LG mandate require changes LG financing Ambitious alterations in welfare provision may enforce changes in the
structure of local and regional government Decentralisation is a vulnerable process! Donors need to better consider political economy factors External support can provide useful inputs but widespread local
ownership is essential! How can current EU bilateral mechanisms be adapted to ensure more
effective engagement of a wide set of actors, beyond the ’Beneficiary’?
A few lessons…
شكرا
www.platforma-dev.eu
www.sklinternational.se
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