EU COUNTRIES’ EXPERIENCE IN DEVELOPING LOCAL GOVERNMENT STAFF

Abstract

The article examines the experience of European Union countries in the field of human resource development within local self-government bodies. Particular attention is given to institutional and regulatory mechanisms that contribute to the formation of a competent, motivated, and efficient workforce at the local level. It is found that the form and nature of decentralization in different EU countries significantly influence the working conditions of local government employees. The emphasis on the strength of democratic institutions in each country largely depends on how developed, active, and effective the municipal system is, as well as on the quality of its personnel. The article analyses key approaches in EU countries to improving qualifications, professional training, performance evaluation systems, and career development planning for public servants. The study explores professional training systems aimed at developing the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies of local government employees. Special attention is given to institutions that ensure continuous learning, as well as to the role of inter-municipal cooperation, digital solutions, and strategic human resource management. The analysis shows how EU countries integrate human resource development into the broader context of local governance reforms, particularly in response to challenges such as decentralization, improving the efficiency of public service delivery, and digital transformation. It is specifically highlighted how the improvement of training, retraining, and professional development systems serves as a tool for addressing modern challenges, including the decentralization of power, the need to enhance service delivery, and the active implementation of digital technologies in governance and administration.