nærhedsprincippet

The proximité principle, or "nærhedsprincippet" in Danish, is a principle of administrative law that advocates for decisions to be made at the lowest possible administrative level. This means that when a decision can be made by a local authority, it should not be deferred to a higher national or regional level. The core idea is to bring decision-making closer to the citizens affected by those decisions.

This principle aims to increase efficiency, responsiveness, and democratic legitimacy. By empowering local actors, it is believed that decisions can be more tailored to specific local needs and circumstances. It also allows for greater public participation and accountability, as citizens can more easily engage with and influence local authorities. The proximité principle is often seen as a counterbalance to centralization and can foster a more decentralized governance structure. It is a concept that influences how public services are organized and delivered in many countries.