subsidiaritets

Subsidiarity is a principle used in political theory and law that decisions should be taken as closely as possible to the citizens. In general, higher-level authorities should act only when outcomes cannot be effectively achieved at a more local level. The term, derived from Latin, emphasizes assisting or supporting rather than supplanting local authority.

In the European Union, subsidiarity is codified as a governing principle alongside proportionality. Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) states that the Union shall act only if the objectives of the proposed action cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States at a lower level. The principle governs the division of competences between the EU and its member states and aims to ensure that decisions are made by the level most capable of addressing the issue, considering efficiency, democracy, and local autonomy. The Union’s actions are subject to a check against subsidiarity, with the Protocol on the Application of the Principles of Subsidiarity and Proportionality guiding procedure and assessment.

Implementation involves testing whether objectives can be better achieved at EU level or at regional, national, or local levels. In practice, this includes evaluating cross-border effects, scale, and potential gains from uniform rules. National parliaments play a role through an early-warning mechanism that allows reasoned opinions on proposed legislation within a defined period; if a threshold of objections is reached, the Commission may reconsider or amend the proposal.

Subsidiarity also appears in Catholic social teaching as a normative guideline: decisions should be made at the lowest feasible level to support human dignity and the common good, empowering local communities while ensuring effective governance. Critics argue the principle can be vague or used to shield inaction, while supporters view it as a safeguard for democratic legitimacy and local autonomy.