The principle of subsidiarity based on doing, managing and even financing what needs to be done, should be a key principle of government - as recommended by many authorities and the European Treaty. But this is light years removed from reality. The most basic rationality comprehends that putting it into practice would be more effective than governments getting entangled in: you owe me, I owe you...Above all, being the most effective it is also the most efficient. Conclusion: if we do not act according to this principle, we do not act rationally. Therefore we see that it is not the principle of subsidiarity that rules, but one of power. The more budget I have and manage, the more important and powerful I am. What a petty spirit! Might it be true that we live in a Lilliput world as far as human spirit is concerned?
Source: http://www.lamalla.cat/politica/article?id=1010462