The Council of Europe promotes local democracy and a culture of ethical and inclusive decision-making, as part of the thematic programme “Strengthening institutional frameworks for local governance” in the Eastern Partnership countries. In this context, 12 municipalities from Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine (three in each country) have been selected to implement local initiatives that will foster transparency, accountability and integrity in local authorities. The Council of Europe is looking for a national consultant from each country that will provide expert guidance and support (coaching) to the mayors, to ensure that their initiatives achieve high impact and ensure meaningful dialogue with their constituencies.
Strengthening Institutional Frameworks for Local Governance Programme
Programme news
Publications
Study on roles and responsibilities of mayors and local councillors in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus
Mayors and local councillors play a vital leadership role in promoting the principles of local democracy in their communities. The study takes an integral look at the execution of roles and functions of local elected representatives, the division and scope of their responsibilities, the situation of local finances and the quality of local democracy. It is developed with the aim to strengthen the local leaders in order for them to further contribute to the development of local democratic governance.
Handbooks on Transparency and Citizen participation
Reducing corruption risks, promoting citizen participation, and developing effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels are key components of just and inclusive societies. These country-specific handbooks provide practical guidance on transparency policies and citizen participation mechanisms, and identify the most prevalent corruption risks. They identify the relevant international standards and national legislation and provide case-law examples and best practices which local and regional authorities are recommended to promote and apply.
Study on institutionalised citizen participation: assessment of existing mechanisms in Georgia
Through an approach involving in-depth interviews and desk surveys, with the support of local authorities and civil society organisations, this comprehensive overview sets out the main directions for improvement of citizen participation in Georgia. It is comprised of three parts: evaluation of the existing legal bases, description of the challenges and successes in practice, with regard to the implementation of existing mechanisms in practice, and recommendations to improve the current situation.
Management of change: a tool guide for local and regional authorities
This tool provides step-by-step guidance for local authorities towards the successful assessment of local policies’ efficiency and effective management of change. It aims to support local public administrations in leading in a more informed manner, addressing the needs of their communities, and developing demand-driven and responsive policies.
About the Programme
Programme summary
The programme is being implemented by Council of Europe
The programme “Strengthening institutional frameworks for local governance” is being implemented by the Council of Europe Centre of Expertise for Local Government Reform, Directorate General of Democracy and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities.
Funding
This programme is funded by the European Union and co-funded by the Council of Europe
This programme is funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe through the Programmatic Co-operation Framework (PCF) for 2015-2017 for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus. The total budget of the programme is € 2,570,000.
Expected results
- streamlining new by-laws in at least three beneficiary countries and to develop targeted recommendations;
- foster a more efficient, transparent and ethical governance at the local level in at least three beneficiary countries;
- develop and adapt the European standard local finance benchmarking tool to the specific countries so as to improve legislation and local regulations.
Objectives
To strengthen institutional frameworks for local governance in the Eastern Partnership countries
support the on-going process of reform of local government in participating countries
promote ethical behaviour by locally elected representatives of the region
support the improvement of financial and human resources management of local administrations based on European standards and benchmarking processes.
Main activities
Comparative studies on the role and responsibilities of mayors and councillors
Comparative studies on the role and responsibilities of mayors and councillors, on inter-municipal cooperation and local finance benchmarking, conferences, workshops, bilateral round tables, training sessions, legal expertise, development of recommendations for reform, peer-to-peer exchanges, study visits for beneficiaries from participating countries, awareness raising and visibility actions, country-specific studies and publications, etc.
Beneficiaries
local and regional authorities and their respective associations,
local and regional authorities and their respective associations,
ministries responsible for local self-government,
NGOs and citizens.
Call for applications
Technical assistance requested: 1 international expert on local finance benchmark to be implemented in Eastern Partnership countries [Deadline for applications: 15 August 2016]
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