Local autonomy around the world: the updated and extended Local Autonomy Index (LAI 2.0)

Abstract

This paper presents an extension and update of the Local Autonomy Index (LAI) under the name LAI 2.0. It applies the comprehensive methodology of the LAI 1.0 to 57 countries over 30 years (1990–2020), including almost all EU, CoE and OECD member states. Looking at the overall results, over thirty years, the LAI has increased around 7–8%, albeit less important in the most recent period of 2015–2020. The biggest increase is to be found in the Central and Eastern European countries. Conversely, some countries (e.g. Hungary and Belarus) have seen a decrease in local autonomy. The highest ranking countries include the Nordic countries and Switzerland, whereas South-Eastern European countries generally score the lowest. We view the LAI as a springboard to academics and policymakers for a more comprehensive and empirically based understanding of local autonomy over time.