How can citizens play a more meaningful role in shaping public decisions? And how can local authorities create spaces for genuine dialogue with their communities?
These questions are central to good democratic governance.
Making participation practical, accessible and meaningful
The Council of Europe has long supported democratic participation through standard-setting and tools designed to help authorities and civil society organisations engage communities more inclusively and effectively in public decision-making.
As part of the project “Promoting Civil Participation in Political Decision-Making in the Republic of Moldova”, a set of foundational Council of Europe standards and tools were tested and adapted, so that they can readily used in local authorities or community initiatives.
A set of tools for different needs
Civil Participation Toolkit
Download the toolkit:
- Civil Participation in Decision-Making Toolkit (CPT) Short Guide (RO)
- Civil Participation in Decision-Making Toolkit (CPT) Full Guide (EN, RO)
- Civil Participation In Decision-Making (CPT) Assessment Tool (EN, RO)
CivicLab methodology
CivicLab is a method that brings together citizens, public authorities and other stakeholders to co-create solutions to local challenges. It is particularly useful for citizen consultations for up to 100 participants. Through structured discussions, participants identify and analyse problems, explore solutions and develop concrete actions. A key feature of the CivicLab is that full digital documentation of the consultation is instantly available to participants and local authorities.
CivicLabs have already been used by local authorities in the Republic of Moldova to engage youth in local decision-making, co-define local development priorities, improve local waste collection and to co-create a municipal transparency strategy.
- CivicLab Short Guide (RO)
UChange serious game
The UChange serious game introduces the concept of civil participation through an interactive experience. Participants – from young to old – explore how public decision-making works and how they can influence it. By simulating realistic scenarios, the game can be used to build critical thinking, teamwork and active citizenship. It can also be used to co-create concrete projects for real-life application.
Guide on Deliberative Democracy for Local Authorities
This practical guide supports municipalities in organising deliberative processes such as citizens’ assemblies, in line with the standard of the Council of Europe. It explains when such approaches are appropriate, how to ensure representativeness, transparency and inclusiveness, and how to translate citizens’ recommendations into policy decisions. The Guide is based on the experience and learning from successful local citizens assemblies.
European standards for civil participation and deliberative democracy
- Recommendation CM/Rec(2023)6 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on deliberative democracy (EN, RO)
- Recommendation CM/Rec(2018)4 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on the participation of citizens in local public life (EN, RO)
- CM(2017)83-final - Guidelines for civil participation in political decision making (EN, RO, RU)
- CM/Rec(2026)3 - Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers to member States on the European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life (EN)
Looking ahead
These tools are part of a broader effort to strengthen good democratic governance in the Republic of Moldova. The Council of Europe works closely with local authorities and civil society to build the skills and confidence needed to apply participatory and deliberative approaches in practice, so that communities are not only informed, but actively involved in the decisions that affect their lives.
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