LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT REFORM IN DENMARK IN 2007

The paper describes the development of local self-government in Denmark until 2007 and the reform that began in the same year. Previous development was characterised by the reforms of 1958 and 1970. The reforms were marked by the reduction of local units at both territorial levels (municipal and county) and by widening their self-government scope and their autonomy. The comprehensive reform launched in 2007 had been prepared for several years and undergone a thorough public debate. It had been based on voluntary merger of local units, on the replacement of counties with the newly formed regions, and on significant delegation of public affairs.