Co-ordination and co-operation are ensured between the local governments and the central government

The law establishes a ministry responsible for general local government affairs

Review of government documentation and legislation to examine whether there is a ministry or its department/unit (or other central state administration body) responsible in general for local governance.

The law establishes that the financing of local governments is centrally co-ordinated

Review of government documentation and legislation to examine whether the ministries or agencies responsible for finance have a separate unit/division for local government financing.

There is a local government association established in the administration

Review of documents establishing the association and if needed, verification with the association if there is/are local government association(s) established.

Local governments that are members of an association (%)

Review of documents of the association of municipalities to verify that at least 50% of local governments are members of the association (in case of more associations, the cumulated result is assessed). This method verifies not only the existence of an association but also its potential to gather and represent local governments vis-à-vis the central administration. For evidence, the Union of Municipalities should provide a list of municipalities that are members. Points are allocated depending on the percentage of municipalities that are members of the union(s) (x): • x < 30% = 0 points • 30% ≤ x < 50% = linear function • x ≥ 50% = 2 points.

There is a co-ordination mechanism among central authorities on policies concerning local governments

Review of government documents to check the existence of an intergovernmental co-ordination body/mechanism or working group with a mandate to steer all central administration policies in the area of local governments and to share information among respective line ministries.

Central authorities provide guidance to local governments

Review of government documents to verify the central authority in charge of the general methodology for local governments is providing guidance to local governments. It will be checked with the association if methodological guidance to the local governments was received. Guidance can be related to new legislation, new policies, new funds/grants or/and specific situations (COVID-19, natural disasters, etc.). Any evidence of guidelines to local governments, explanation of the law, workshops of training to local government staff are admitted.

Local government (associations) participate in governmental co-ordinating bodies

Review of government documentation to verify, whether local governments (associations) are mandatory members in at least in one ministerial committee and/or working group in matters concerning local governments.

National policy documents inform local development strategies

Review of government documentation to verify whether there is at least one national policy document incorporating matters concerning local governments (functions, financing, etc.)