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 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 Committee of Ministers. ELoGE is based on self-assessment of municipalities by local officials, elected councillors and citizens. In committing 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. By participating in the ELoGE programme, municipal officials and citizens will both gain a greater understanding of good democratic governance which, in itself, will contribute to improved governance practice in Italy.
The recordings of the conference (in Italian) can be viewed here.