Local Government in Europe

Abstract

This book provides a comprehensive coverage of current challenges to the very essence of local self- government. Authors from different European countries present a picture of the current situation and of the future developments laying ahead of us. Europe provides an extremely diverse ground for Local Government studies: modes of governance, the position of the leader, reform intensity, emphasis on democratic forms of governance – all these aspects pose a very vivid and dynamic picture. At the same time, Local Governments in Europe face common challenges, like climate change, increasing populism, and democratic deficit. This volume aims to answer the diversity and communalities between these country-specific features. It is a comprehensive volume gathering the most classical research perspectives in the studies of European territorial (mainly local) government and presenting both new research approaches as well as new trends. The main set of topics include local territorial reforms, local leadership and democracy, and local finances. The authors represent the leading Local Government researchers in Europe, including a strong representation of Eastern European Countries.