Council of Europe

The Strategy for Innovation and Good Governance at Local Level is a practical instrument for improving governance at local level and the quality of local life as a result. The Strategy consists of twelve principles of Good Democratic Governance:

The Strategy was launched during the Ministerial Conference in Valencia, Spain, where European Ministers responsible for Local and Regional Government endorsed the Strategy on Innovation and Good Governance (see the Valencia Declaration).

The European Label of Governance Excellence is part of the Strategy for Innovation and Good Governance. The Label is a learning tool which should assist authorities in improving their local governance.

The implementation of the Strategy for Innovation and Good Governance is steered by the Council of Europe’s Stakeholders’ Platform, which comprises representatives of the Committee of Ministers, the Parliamentary Assembly, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, the European Committee on Local and Regional Democracy (CDLR) and the Conference of INGOs. The Commissioner for Human Rights is an observer to the Platform.

Currently Belgium, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Norway and Ukraine are implementing the Strategy. Other countries such as Austria, France, Italy and Spain are contemplating their accession.

Country Action Plans

    Belgium
    Bulgaria
    Netherlands
    Norway
    Ukraine
 

Information brochure

General

The 12 Principles