Division of powers : multi-level governance structures in the EU enlargement countries

Institutional decentralisation is crucial for the health of democratic societies, as it cultivates effective local leadership and enables the resolution of local issues by empowering decision-makers at the level closest to the citizen. This study provides an overview of the institutional decentralisation levels in the EU Enlargement countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo*, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine). Each chapter outlines the various governance structures in the respective country. The distribution of competencies at each level of governance is presented in the following policy areas of mandatory consultation of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR): transport; employment; social issues; education; vocational training; youth and sports; culture; public health; Trans-European networks; economic, social and territorial cohesion; environment and the fight against climate change, and energy, as well as those in the fields of particular interest for Local and Regional Authorities (LRAs): agriculture; fisheries; immigration and asylum; tourism; and civil protection. * This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/99 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.