A launch conference for the European Label of Governance Excellence (ELoGE) was held under the Italian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Venice on 11 April. Good Democratic Governance is encapsulated in the 12 Principles which are interrelated and most effective when fully integrated into local government practice and can be measured by applying the ELoGE Benchmark of the Centre of Expertise for Good Governance.

Following a piloting in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in 2021, the European Label of Governance Excellence will be implemented for the first time at national level in Italy by the Centre of Expertise for Good Governance, in collaboration with the Italian Association of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (AICCRE).

Mr Benedetto della Vedova, Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation opened the Conference on behalf of the Italian Presidency of the CM.

Other speakers of note included Ms Anna Ascani, Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Economic Development, Mr Stefano Bonaccini, President of the Emilia-Romagna Region and President of AICCRE, Mr Giovanni Toti, President of the Liguria Region, Ms Carla Rey, Secretary General of AICCRE and Ms Claudia Luciani, Director of Human Dignity, Equality and Governance of the Council of Europe. Their interventions stimulated a reflection on the importance of good democratic governance for local authorities in Italy and gave Italian mayors and local leaders the opportunity to learn about the ELoGE benchmark and measurement methodology.

ELoGE is based on self-assessment of municipalities by local officials, elected councillors and citizens. It is imperative to recognise that the journey towards ELoGE is as important as the destination. In making a commitment to apply the Benchmark, municipalities are agreeing to measure their performance against each of the 12 Principles. They are also offering citizens a platform through which to appraise the performance of their local authority. The officials and citizens in all municipalities participating in the ELoGE programme will have a greater understanding of good democratic governance which, in itself, will contribute to improved governance practice in Italy.

 Watch the recordings of the conference (in Italian) 

 Consult the Press coverage of the event by Radiotelevisione Italiana (RAI)