Регіональне самоврядування в Словаччині: особливості інституціоналізації та проблеми функціонування

Abstract

This article analyzes the process of institutionalizing regional self-government in Slovakia, focusing on its socio-political and organizational-legal aspects. It examines legislative innovations that served as the legal basis for the establishment of self-governing regions and the transfer of governmental powers to regional structures. The article also explores the impact of European integration on the development of regional self-government in Slovakia, aligning the country’s regional policy with EU standards. The article outlines the successful aspects of the Slovak model’s implementation, including the strengthening of the functional capacity of self-government bodies, the expansion of their financial opportunities, and the creation of conditions for more active citizen participation in local decision-making processes. The conclusion highlights that the reform has revealed both advantages and challenges in regional governance. On one hand, decentralization has contributed to strengthening regional self-government, improving access to European funds, and expanding decision-making opportunities for territorial communities. On the other hand, issues such as regional disparities, inefficient resource management, and coordination between different levels of government remain significant challenges. Additionally, the article discusses the challenges Slovakia faced during the reform process, including staff shortages, insufficient funding, and corruption risks. Problems related to the perception and evaluation of regional self-government bodies' activities, as well as low voter turnout in regional elections, have also been identified. Despite these issues and challenges, the Slovak model provides self-governing regions with the opportunity to develop their own strategies and implement regional development policies. In the future, further reform steps will be necessary to strengthen the financial independence of higher territorial units, eliminate imbalances between regions, and improve mechanisms for interaction with the central government.