What does subsidiarity mean?
Subsidiarity is a political and institutional principle according to which decisions should be made by the lowest level of authority capable of dealing with them effectively. It assumes that people and local communities are generally best placed to understand their own needs, while larger institutions should support rather than unnecessarily override them. In practice, the idea can support decentralized government, regional autonomy, and the allocation of administrative responsibility. It does not mean that higher authorities have no role: they may provide funding, establish common standards, coordinate wider interests, or intervene where local action is inadequate. The term is especially prominent in European policy and in debates about the relationship between central, regional, and local government, but the underlying idea applies more broadly to organizations and communities.
nounSubsidiarity is the principle that decisions should be made by the lowest level of government or authority capable of handling them effectively, while higher levels should provide support and intervene only when necessary.
- The principle that public decisions and responsibilities should be delegated to the lowest competent level of authority, with higher levels intervening only when necessary.
- A similar principle applied in social, institutional, or organizational contexts, in which local or subordinate bodies retain responsibility for decisions within their proper sphere.
"The policy reflects subsidiarity by allowing local communities to decide how the funds should be distributed."
"European regional policy is guided by the principle of subsidiarity."
"The committee rejected the proposal on grounds of subsidiarity, arguing that the decision should rest with the local authority."
The plural is rare and is used mainly when referring to different applications or instances of the principle.
"The authors compare subsidiarities in national and European governance."
Subsidiarity puts power close to the people: the higher up a decision is made, the stronger the case that it belongs closer to ordinary citizens.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does subsidiarity come from?
The word derives from Latin subsidium, meaning assistance or support, and is related to English forms such as subsidiary and subsidy. The abstract sense developed from the idea that support should be provided in a way that respects the responsibilities and independence of subordinate authorities. Its modern political usage became especially influential in discussions of European and regional governance.
How subsidiarity is actually used
The term is most common in political, legal, institutional, and social-policy contexts. It is often associated with debates over the appropriate division of responsibility between governments, the European Union, regional authorities, and local communities.
Easily confused with subsidiarity
Subsidiarity is a governing principle about where decisions should be made, whereas a subsidy is financial assistance granted to support an activity or institution.