The Democracy at the Local Level

• Main Authors: Dana Alexandru, Mihaela Olteanu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Danubius University 2011-05-01
• Series: EIRP Proceedings
• Subjects: citizen; democracy; local autonomy; inter-community
• Online Access: http://www.proceedings.univ-danubius.ro/index.php/eirp/article/view/851/770

The modalities of citizen participation in the decision-making process of inter-community structures or associations are formulated as principles, general rules. The democratic deficit of such structures is denounced in many European states. Although the main purpose of these associations is to streamline and increase efficiency of local management to the citizens' benefit, the citizens have no means of determining or influencing the exercise of competencies by the local government/authority. The objective of this topic is to analyze the experience of the associations′ evolution in the European space, predominantly in Romania, based on the raports of European Comittee on Local and Regional Democracy and roumanian legislation. The purpose of this analysis is to draw lessons and recommendations for effective citizen participation in the inter-community. The citizens′ participation represents an issue of concern for many states, and is taken into consideration in the analysis of the services offered.