ISIG was the scientific coordinator supporting the Council of Europe in drafting and adopting the new recommendation on Good Democratic Governance. A key standard to ensure respect for, protection and promotion of democracy, human rights and the rule of law and which includes adherence to the highest standards of public ethics, the practice of good governance and the provision of high-quality public services at the local level.

The Council of Europe’s new recommendation is based on four fundamental, 12 principles that are the hallmark of a well-functioning democracy. These principles provide models of governance that effectively meet the legitimate needs and expectations of citizens, conforming to the democratic values essential for peace, prosperity, and economic and social progress.

The Committee of Ministers adopted this Recommendation as a clear and strong response to concerns regarding threats to democratic institutions in Europe, highlighted in the recent annual reports of the Secretary General and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Prepared by the European Committee for Democracy and Governance (CDDG), with the support of ISIG, this recommendation contributes to the implementation of the decisions taken at the 4th Council of Europe Summit of Heads of State and Government (Reykjavík, May 16-17, 2023), in particular the Reykjavík Declaration – “United around our values” and the Reykjavík Principles for Democracy. Member states thus pledged to “ensure and strengthen democracy and good governance at all levels throughout Europe” and to “actively promote democratic participation at national, regional and local levels through free and fair elections.”

Full text recommendation: “CM/Rec(2023)5 – Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers to member States on the principles of good democratic governance (Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 6 September 2023 at the 1473rd meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies)”

Addendum to the recommendation, full text: “CM(2023)96-addfinal – [1473/2.4a] European Committee on Democracy and Governance (CDDG) – Explanatory Memorandum to Recommendation CM/Rec(2023)5 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on the principles of good democratic governance”

From Recommendation to ELoGE Program

ISIG coordinated the development of the new Good Democratic Governance Benchmark, better known as the ELoGE Benchmark, the cornerstone tool of the European Label of Governance Excellence (ELoGE) program. This tool has been updated to align with the 12 new principles of the Recommendation on Good Democratic Governance, with the aim of strengthening its applicability to all levels of governance. The new benchmark aims to ensure a more comprehensive and transparent assessment of the performance of public institutions, promoting excellence in democratic management and the adoption of ethical and inclusive practices.

The ELoGE Program is based on a partnership between the Council of Europe and a regional, national or transnational entity with proven expertise and experience in the field of good local governance. Accredited entities are responsible for implementing the program, which includes:

• Identification of affected municipalities.

• Support in self-assessment.

• Data collection through surveys targeting citizens, city officials, and elected representatives.

• Analysis and evaluation of collected data.

• Awarding the ELoGE Seal to deserving municipalities.