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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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