The Principle of Subsidiarity is a principle of sociopolitical organization and justice and is part of the Catholic social doctrine. In a very simplified way, it entails maximal decentralization. The idea is usually explained this way: Whatever can be decided upon at a lower level in the sociopolitical hierarchy (the local level, for instance), should be decided upon at that level, and not at a higher level.

In Catholic doctrine, this principle is balanced by another priniciple, which is called the Priniciple of Solidarity. The two priniciples are encompassed under the principle of the absolute diginity of the human person. The writings of the present pope have given much definition to these three concepts.

The Priniciple of Subsidiarity makes a lot of sense to a complex polity, such as the EU.

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Note added at 2003-10-29 07:45:23 (GMT)
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For further readings on the Catholic roots of these three (and other) social concepts, take a look at the following page:

http://www.ccky.org/catholic_social_teaching.htm

Here is what it says about the Principle of Subsidiarity:

\"The principle of Subsidiarity teaches us to protect the basic rights of the individual by protecting small community organizations such as local governments, neighborhoods and community groups from excessive intervention by more powerful authorities. This assures a decentralization of power.\"