Principle of Subsidiarity

A governance principle that decisions and actions should be made and implemented at the lowest competent level closest to those affected, with higher-level intervention justified only when lower levels lack capacity, scale, or legal authority to achieve legitimate objectives.

A political‑institutional principle that decision‑making responsibility should rest with the smallest, lowest or least centralized competent authority able to address a matter effectively; subsidiarity favors local autonomy and responsiveness while permitting higher‑level intervention when lower levels lack competence, when collective action is required, or to protect fundamental rights and equal