Local governance for inclusion

This policy brief examines the role of local authorities in supporting school success across the EU. It argues that municipalities, when given adequate autonomy and resources, can act as a key link between national education policy and local school realities, helping to reduce segregation and improve learner well-being. However, significant disparities in municipal capacity and funding across Europe create unequal opportunities depending on where learners live. The brief calls for strengthening local governance as a strategic lever for building more inclusive and high-performing education systems.