DECENTRALIZATION IN SLOVAKIA: PERSPECTIVES FROM THE TRNAVA REGION

Abstract

Decentralization is the priority reform in the post-socialist countries of Central Europe. Slovakia’s accession to the European Union has accelerated decentralization, which is being implemented at the political, fiscal and administrative levels. Based on the example of the Trnava region, located in Western Slovakia, it was determined that administrative-territorial decentralization is prioritized in the region. Slovakia’s accession to the European Union and the political situation have little effect on decentralization, and municipal utilities improvements are still issues of concern in the region. The level of decentralization effectiveness in Slovakia is determined as 60–70%, and in the Trnava region – 70–80%.