obcím

Obcím is the dative plural form of the Czech noun obec, meaning municipalities. In Czech, obcím is used when describing actions or relations that involve multiple municipalities, such as giving, granting, or directing something to them. It is not a standalone noun but a grammatical form of the word obec.

An obec (municipality) is the basic unit of local self-government in the Czech Republic (and similarly in Slovakia). Municipalities can range from small villages to larger towns or cities. They are responsible for local matters within their territory, including local planning, waste management, public order, and the operation of certain local services. Each obec has an elected council (zastupitelstvo obce) and a head, often called the starosta or primátor in larger towns, who represents the municipality and oversees its administration.

Funding for obce comes from a mix of sources, including local taxes, state subsidies, and, in some cases, European Union funds. The state assigns certain competencies and financial transfers to obce to support provision of public services, infrastructure, and community development. The relationship between obce and higher levels of government is defined by law, with municipalities retaining local autonomy in many everyday decisions while remaining subject to national legislation.

Etymologically, obec derives from Slavic roots meaning a community or gathering, reflecting the role of municipalities as organized local communities. The form obcím appears in contexts where one is referring to or addressing multiple municipalities in the dative case.