Subsidiariteettiperiaate

Subsidiariteettiperiaate, or the principle of subsidiarity, is a fundamental concept in political philosophy and European Union law. It dictates that decisions should be taken at the lowest possible level of governance. This means that issues should be handled by the smallest, most local communities or organizations that are capable of effectively addressing them. Only when a higher level of authority is demonstrably better equipped to deal with a matter should it be delegated upwards.

The principle aims to ensure that decision-making remains as close to the citizens as possible, fostering greater democratic legitimacy and responsiveness. It also promotes efficiency by allowing different levels of government to specialize in areas where they have the most expertise and resources. In the context of the European Union, subsidiarity means that the EU should only act in areas where its intervention is considered more effective than action taken at the national, regional, or local levels.

This principle serves as a check on the expansion of power at higher governmental tiers, emphasizing the importance of local autonomy and self-governance. It is a cornerstone of federal systems and supranational organizations, guiding the distribution of powers and responsibilities among different political entities. The application of subsidiarity is often a subject of debate, particularly concerning the appropriate balance between different levels of government and the precise criteria for determining when higher-level intervention is justified.