OVERVIEW OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT POWERS IN THE FIELD OF THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION: THE EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE

Abstract

The article analyzes the environmental competence of local governments of leading European countries.It is noted which powers of the municipal government in the field of environmental protection were transferredto the local level due to decentralization. Positive aspects are highlighted, which can be further used by nationallocal governments.In view of the above, it is obvious that in Ukraine, in order to increase the efficiency of local selfgovernmentbodies in the environmental sphere, it is necessary to more clearly define the functions and powersand their responsibility for decision-making. It should also be noted that there is a lack of harmonization ofregulations in this area at the local, regional and state levels. The result is duplication of functions and disputesbeyond authority. European experience shows the expediency of expanding the competence of local selfgovernmentin the field of environmental protection and a clear definition of the powers of municipal authorities.The effectiveness and efficiency of the implementation of the activities of municipal bodies in the field ofenvironmental protection in order to ensure sustainable use of nature and environmental protection depends ona clear demarcation of functions and powers of local self-government bodies and legislative regulation of theresponsibility of local authorities for their decisions. It is obvious that research and use of the experience ofEuropean countries in the research area will contribute to this. Key words: competence, ecological powers, decentralization, European experience.