Subsidiarity

1. EU law. The principle in the European Union that decisions should be taken as closely as possible to the citizen. Under the subsidiarity principle the EU should not take action (except in the areas that fall within its exclusive competence), unless EU action is considered more effective than alternative action at a national, regional or local level.
2. More generally, the principle that decisions should be taken at an appropriate level, according to the nature of the decision.

See also

Subsidiary