Good democratic governance at local level : the Council of Europe approach

1. 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

2. … 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

3. 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

4. Why is good governance so important? Governance is good for local political leaders • strengthens authority and credibility • enables effective delivery of services • embodies leadership

5. Governance is good for the community • respects diversity • enhances cohesion and inclusion • promotes a sense of belonging • gives a common destiny

6. Governance is good for the nation • builds trust between tiers of government • facilitates subsidiarity • consolidates democracy across levels of government

7. Governance is good for Europe • enables effective implementation of redistributive policies • provides European and state institutions with reliable partners at local level

8. 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

9. 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

10. Conclusion: good governance, a shared value for the Council of Europe and the European Union • 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