Governance in European countries and Türkiye in the context of local governments

The changes and developments occurring globally hold significant importance in conducting necessary studies on local governments within our societal life. Today, when we examine local governments, they have become institutions where the public can have a say in governance, express their opinions, see their ideas realized, and, most importantly, meet the public needs at the local level. Local administrations not only enable the local population to exercise their democratic rights in the most efficient manner but also play a crucial role in providing rapid and effective feedback to citizens regarding the public services they need and demand. Local governments are autonomous institutions that ensure the smooth functioning of central administration and carry out necessary activities to address the deficiencies and shortcomings of the central government. The concept of governance can be regarded as multi-actor management. In carrying out administrative activities, the governance process operates through mutual consultation among the actors of governance namely, the state, civil society, and the private sector while conducting activities in collaboration.In European Union member states, local governments, as the most accessible administrative unit for citizens, play a key role in governance when meeting the local population's needs through mutual consultation and the exchange of ideas to provide higher quality services. Different administrative practices in governance are observed among the member states of the Union, leading to variations in the sensitivities displayed by these countries towards governance. This study investigates the concept of governance and its local-level applications and outcomes in Türkiye and certain EU member states.