Good democratic governance at local level :
the Council of Europe approach
From multilevel governance…
The European Charter of Local Self-Government
subsidiarity
clear and comprehensive attributions of competences (powers)
adequacy of powers and resources part of which from local taxes
right to associate to implement competences (powers) and defend interests
The Madrid Outline Convention
transfrontier co-operation of territorial authorities is equated to IMC
Additional Protocol to the ECLSG
right of citizens to information and participation in the affairs of a local
authority
includes the right to vote at local elections
… to good democratic governance at local level
First: Declaration by the conference of European ministers responsible for local and
regional democracy (Budapest, 2005)
Deliver good governance to their citizens at both domestic and European level
(Budapest Agenda)
Endorsed by the Warsaw Summit of CoE Heads of State and Government
Second: the Strategy for Innovation and Good Governance at Local Level (Valencia,
2007)
Twelve Principles of Good Democratic Governance
Third: resolve by the Ministers to “lead and own” the Council of Europe Agenda in the
field of local and regional democracy
Partnership proposal Committee of Ministers/ministerial conference
Enhanced political dialogue, “common agenda” with the Congres of Local and
Regional Authorities
The Strategy for Innovation and Good Governance at Local Level
Twelve principles
1. Fair conduct of elections, Representation and Participation
2. Responsiveness
3. Efficiency and Effectiveness
4. Openness and transparency
5.Rule of Law
6. Ethical conduct
7. Competence and Capacity
8. Innovation and openness to change sustainability and long term orientation
9.Human rights, cultural diversity and social cohesion
10. Sound financial management
11. Accountability
At central level: establish and maintain a fair and effective system of local self-government
At local level: go public, be accountable, commit to improvement
At community level: be open to challenge, be rewarded for excellence in governance at local level
Why is good governance so important?
Governance is good for local political leaders
• strengthens authority and credibility
• enables effective delivery of services
• embodies leadership
Governance is good for the community
• respects diversity
• enhances cohesion and inclusion
• promotes a sense of belonging
• gives a common destiny
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Governance is good for the nation
builds trust between tiers of government
facilitates subsidiarity
consolidates democracy across levels of
government
Governance is good for Europe
• enables effective implementation of
redistributive policies
• provides European and state institutions with
reliable partners at local level
Is Good Governance at Local Level taking roots?
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Launched in 2008, implementation tools effective 2010
First accreditation, Bulgaria 2010, first Labels Spring 2011
Dissemination across Europe : Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Ukraine haven
taken steps
Spain, France, Austria, Hungary… are showing interest
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Is Good Governance at Local Level taking roots?
Launched in 2008, implementation tools effective 2010
•
First accreditation, Bulgaria 2010, first Labels Spring 2011
•
Dissemination across Europe : Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Ukraine haven taken steps
•
Spain, France, Austria, Hungary… are showing interest
Conclusion: good governance, a shared value for the Council of Europe and the European Union
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Local democracy is a fundamental component of European societies
Local and regional authorities are partners in the design and implementation of European
legislation/policies
Good governance is a requisite for the democratic sustainability of European societies
The principles and values of the Council of Europe (47 member states) are those of its EU
members too