On 29 October 2025, during its 49th session in Strasbourg, the Congress adopted the reform of the European Local Democracy Week (ELDW), giving it a new name and a renewed momentum. Launched as a Congress initiative in 2007, ELDW has served as a bridge between citizens and their local and regional authorities, encouraging dialogue, transparency and engagement through thousands of community-based activities across Europe.

Presented by Congress Vice-President Konstantinos Koukas (Greece, L, EPP/CCE), the reform introduces a new identity to the initiative which becomes the “European Local Democracy Action (ELDA)”, and aims to transform it into a continuous and sustainable process of citizen participation at local and regional level throughout the year.

Through a new thematic structure, an ELDA Prize recognising outstanding local initiatives, and stronger partnerships with networks, the European Local Democracy Action will serve as a platform for municipalities and associations to showcase local innovative democratic practices.

“Local democracy is not an event, but a living process that connects citizens and their representatives every day,” said Vice-President Koukas, underlining the need to move from awareness to action.

This renewal aligns with Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset’s call for a New Democratic Pact for Europe, inspired by the Reykjavik Principles of Democracy, and reaffirms the Congress’s commitment to strengthening trust and participation at the local level. The new format will be implemented in early 2026, opening a new chapter for citizen engagement across Europe.

 Reform of the European Local Democracy Week

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49e Session
Ordre du jour – Dossier Web – Photos