Eurofound’s definition of central public administration

There is an absence of commonly agreed definitions of key concepts such as public sector, public services and public administration, not to mention ‘central’ public administration. This absence is problematic when comparing several institutions, or even when addressing different issues within one organisation. The aim of this working paper is to deliver a working definition of central public administration (CPA).

Please note, also, the publication, 'Central public administration: Working conditions and industrial relations – Annex', which may be accessed via the Related Url. This Annex details the authorities responsible for the different areas of central public administration in each EU country (defence, social security, education, health, housing, culture, transport, etc.), showing the breakdown by central, regional and local level.

• Primary Source

Eurofound: Eurofound's definition of central public administration http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/pubdocs/2013/70/en/1/EF1370EN.pdf

Eurofound: Central public adminsitration: Working conditions and industrial relations: Annex http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/publications/htmlfiles/ef13702.htm

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