11-17 OCTOBER 2010

CALL FOR LOCAL ACTIONS

The Association of Local Democracy Agencies is pleased to invite its members to take an active part in marking the European Local Democracy Week 11-17 October 2010. Specially invited to participate are our members in the Western Balkans and Caucasus, and the host cities of Local Democracy Agencies.

The “European Local Democracy Week” (ELDW) is an annual European event with simultaneous national and local events organised by participating local authorities in all Council of Europe member States. The purpose is to foster the knowledge of local democracy and promote the idea of democratic participation at a local level.

The week including 15 October has been chosen as the European Charter of Local Self-Government was opened for signature on that date in 1985.

The Week is a Council of Europe initiative. Its role is to co-ordinate the European dimension of the project, whereas the national and local implementation of the Week is being supported in each participating country by the correspondents designated by the national associations of local authorities. The municipalities wishing to give special prominence to their participation in European Local Democracy Week (ELDW), may take part as "12-Star City". This status is intended to highlight the commitment with which a municipality raises its citizens' awareness of local democracy, the role of local councillors and the opportunities provided by participatory democracy. In order to take part in the ELDW as a "12-Star City", municipalities and other local entities must undertake to:

Allocate a specific budget for the ELDW activities. This budget may also be financed by other bodies (local public services providers, other local government authorities, sponsors...)

The emphasis for ELDW 2010 is being placed on the role of local authorities and citizens in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Marking the local democracy week may Involve different groups of citizens in the initiatives forming part of the ELDW. Special attention should be paid to the involvement of young people through Municipal Youth Councils, and of pupils and students, in conjunction with schools and colleges. The aim is to bring tomorrow's adult citizens closer to local institutions and to help them play a part in local democratic life.

Organising local events across the continent under the common “label” of the “European Local Democracy Week” would contribute to reinforcing citizens’ perception of local democracy as a common European value and a basis for building democratic society.

For any further information please contact:

Or consult the webpage of the Council of Europe

Antonella Valmorbida

Director