Europeanization of local public administration: conceptual dimensions and practical implications

Abstract

The Europeanization of local public administration represents a fundamental factor in modernization and the consolidation of participatory governance, with a direct impact on the quality of public services and the development of local communities. The study aims to analyze the process of Europeanization of local public administration from the perspective of institutional, normative, and functional transformations, as well as to assess its impact on administrative capacity and citizen participation in the decision‑making process. The theoretical and methodological framework of the research is grounded in contemporary approaches to the Europeanization of public administration, participatory governance, and decision‑making theory, as well as in the analysis of strategies, legal acts, regulations, and decisions governing the activity of local public authorities. The research methods of documentary analysis and conceptual synthesis were used to identify the main trends in the Europeanization process and its practical implications in this field. Data collected through interviews and focus groups were employed to gain insight into the realities of local communities in the context of local public administration reform. The practical relevance of the study lies in the formulation of recommendations for decision‑makers and local public officials aimed at optimizing administrative processes, aligning governance practices with European standards, and strengthening institutional capacity, thereby contributing to increased citizen engagement in decision‑making and the sustainable development of local communities.