At a launch event for the European Label of Governance Excellence in Kosovo*, Minister Krasniqi stated that it is the ambition of the Ministry of Local Government Administration to promote good democratic governance in all municipalities throughout the territory, and to help measure performance of these municipalities with reference to European standards such as the 12 Principles of Good Democratic Governance.

Head of the Council of Europe Office in Pristina, Mr Frank Power, noted with satisfaction the strength of cooperation between the Council of Europe and the authorities in Pristina. Welcoming the launch of ELoGE as an opportunity to strengthen good democratic governance and raise awareness of Council of Europe standards, Mr Power recalled that the legislative framework for local democracy in the territory is shaped by the European Charter of Local Self-Government.

The European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA), has been accredited to deliver ELoGE in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, and North Macedonia in cooperation with the Centre of Expertise for Good Governance. ALDA Secretary General, Ms Antonella Valmorbida, noted that her organisation was founded, in part, with a mission to support the emergence of good local governance and civil society in the Western Balkans. She welcomed the excellent cooperation with Mr Krasniqi and looked forward a successful piloting of ELoGE involving up to 20 local municipalities.

* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence