02/06/2025 NALAS has released the tenth edition of its flagship publication, Fiscal Decentralization Indicators for South-East Europe, marking 15 years of rigorous data collection, comparative analysis, and policy advocacy for stronger local government finance systems in the region.
Titled “Fiscal Decentralization in South-East Europe: A Decade of Reforms, Crises, and Multilevel Governance”, the report captures the evolution of local government finance systems from 2014 to 2023. It provides an in-depth comparative analysis of fiscal decentralization indicators, transfer systems, and capital investment frameworks across 13 economies in South-East Europe (SEE), including the Western Balkans, EU member states, and Türkiye.
Fiscal decentralization is not only about finance—it is about local democracy, public service delivery, and economic development. From this perspective, this report is a vital tool for policy dialogue helping national and local policymakers make informed decisions to strengthen multilevel governance and build resilient local finance systems.
A Unique Comparative Tool
Developed by the NALAS Fiscal Decentralization Task Force composed of experts from Local Government Associations and supported by the Austrian Development Agency, Swiss Development Cooperation, KDZ, and BACID, the report draws from over a decade of regional data. It includes regional benchmarks, specific profiles and policy analysis relevant to practitioners, researchers, and decision-makers alike.
This edition also emphasizes the importance of institutionalized multi-level governance. It highlights best practices in how member LGAs influence national policymaking through formal consultations, task forces, and policy proposals.
Explore the Full Report
The full publication, along with interactive data tools, is available through the NALAS website and the Decentralisation Observatory:
👉 https://www.nalas.eu/category/publications/
