Innovating democratic participation at local level in Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Back Congress promotes deliberative democracy and inclusive models of co-creation with citizens

The Congress organised a European Conference on Democratic renewal: innovating with deliberative democracy in Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina), on 20-21 September 2022. It brought together local and regional officials from Bosnia and Herzegovina and international experts.

The event was opened by Mostar Mayor Mario Kordic and Congress Director Rafael Benitez. Taking stock of successful deliberative practices from Brussels and Ostbelgien (Belgium), Paris (France), Ireland, Bologna (Italy), Gdansk (Poland), Istanbul (Türkiye), Northern Ireland (United Kingdom), an Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina), participants discussed the added value of adopting deliberative approaches in decision-making as a form of “collective wisdom” and a response to democratic backsliding.

“The adequate response of authorities to citizens recommendations stemming from deliberative processes is vital to keep up the new dynamic, uphold a sense of co-creation and re-install the trust in democracy”, said Karl-Heinz Lambertz (Belgium, SOC/V/DP), Congress rapporteur on the use of deliberative methods at local and regional level.

“Deliberative processes foster a democracy closer to citizens” reiterated Stewart Dickson (United Kingdom, ILDG), Congress Spokesperson on the Observation of Elections who also highlighted the role of youth and the importance of such processes to allow for diverse perspectives and meaningful inputs for policymakers.

The Conference followed on the 1st Mostar Citizens’ Assembly and as part of its recommendations’ implementation, an ecological campaign was launched in primary schools in Mostar.

In the margins of the Conference, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Congress and the two associations of municipalities and cities in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in the Republika Sprska to foster the implementation of the principles of open government and public ethics at the local level in the country.

These activities were organised in the framework of the project “Innovating democratic participation at local level in Bosnia and Herzegovina” is implemented by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities within the Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022-2025. The project aims to enhance the quality of local democracy and create opportunities for citizens to engage in innovative participatory processes in Mostar and in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It will promote new democratic approaches, open government, public ethics, transparent and inclusive local policy making in the country.

European Conference on Democratic renewal programme
Congress report “Beyond elections: The use of deliberative methods in European municipalities and regions”,

Mostar 20-21 September 2022

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The project “Innovating democratic participation at local level in Bosnia and Herzegovina” aims to enhance the quality of local democracy and create opportunities for citizens to engage in innovative participatory processes in Mostar and elsewhere in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It promotes new democratic approaches, open government, public ethics, transparent and inclusive local policy making in the country.

The project is implemented by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe as part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022-2025, and in line with the principles enshrined in the European Charter for Local Self-Government (ETS No. 122) and its Additional Protocol on the right to participate in the affairs of a local authority (CETS No.207).

OUTCOMES

Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina enjoy enhanced local democracy and more transparent local public institutions
Local authorities embed inclusive and innovative deliberative approaches to enhance decision-making
Local elected representatives and public officials strengthen their capacities to engage in collaborative governance and co-creation with citizens and civil society organisations.

METHODOLOGY

This project builds on the fruitful co-operation with the City of Mostar and the positive results of the first deliberative process in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the form of a citizens’ assembly. Support will be provided for the implementation of the Action Plan adopted in response to the citizens’ recommendations, and to conduct a second citizens’ assembly.

The best practices of deliberative democracy will be further promoted. Following a call for interest, another local authority in Bosnia and Herzegovina will benefit from project support to set up a tailored deliberative process.

Capacity development activities will be proposed to local authorities across the country with a view to enhancing the quality of local democracy and fostering collaborative governance and co-creation with citizens and civil society. These activities will be designed in close co-operation with the Associations of Municipalities and Cities from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and from Republika Srpska.

The Congress will also provide local and international expertise and support in the field of good governance and democracy, including academic support through the Group of Independent Experts to the Charter, for the development of practices and policies.

A peer-to-peer approach, including with the members of the Congress, will be used for exchanges and sharing of knowledge, know-how and practices across Europe. This support will be provided directly to local authorities and in close co-operation with the associations of local authorities.

Active participation of stakeholders at local level will be ensured, ranging from the general public to interest groups, NGOs, academia and local authorities.

EXPECTED RESULTS

Mostar City Authorities implement the action plan approved by the City Council as a follow-up to the citizens’ recommendations stemming from the first deliberative process held in 2021
A deliberative process is commissioned and organised under the leadership of the Mayor and City Council of Mostar
The mayor, local councillors, and public officials from a selected local authority in Bosnia and Herzegovina develop further their capacities to implement an inclusive deliberative process
A deliberative process is designed in one more local authority in Bosnia and Herzegovina and citizens formulate proposals to local decision-makers
The two associations of municipalities and cities promote transparent, accountable, and participatory local governance through peer exchanges and advocacy
Local authorities enhance their capacities on innovative practices for inclusive, transparent and participatory local governance.

PARTNERS AND BENEFICIARIES

Citizens of Mostar and citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The City of Mostar and authorities of the selected towns or cities in BiH
Association of Municipalities and Cities of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Association of Municipalities and Cities of Republika Srpska
Civil society and media.

The Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022-2025 is a strategic programming instrument that aims to bring Bosnia and Herzegovina’s legislation, institutions and practice further into line with European standards in the areas of human rights, the rule of law and democracy. The Action Plan is intended to support the country’s efforts to honour its obligations as a Council of Europe member State.

Within this framework, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities is implementing the project "Innovating democratic participation at local level in Bosnia and Herzegovina". This action is based on the needs and recommendations voiced by relevant stakeholders and beneficiaries and builds upon the results of the project “Building democratic participation in the City of Mostar”.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe

www.coe.int/en/web/congress/co-operation-activities

Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo

www.coe.int/en/web/sarajevo

Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022 – 2025

www.coe.int/en/web/programmes/bosnia-and-herzegovina

Mostar Citizens’ Assembly

www.mostargradimo.ba

Congress of Local and Regional Authorities

www.coe.int/congress

The Council of Europe is the continent’s leading human rights organisation. It comprises 46 member states, including all the members of the European Union. The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities is an institution of the Council of Europe, responsible for strengthening local and regional democracy in its 46 member states. Composed of two chambers – the Chamber of Local Authorities and the Chamber of Regions – and three committees, it brings together 612 elected officials representing more than 130 000 local and regional authorities.